James Pearce: Ryan Babel still struggles to dazzle for Liverpool FC

Ryan Babel 300JUST seven weeks into the biggest job of his 34-year management career, Roy Hodgson admits he is learning all the time.Having promised a clean slate to all the players he inherited, the Reds boss is still weighing up who has a part to play in the new era and who should be sent packing.Last night Hodgson got his first proper look at Liverpool's great enigma - Ryan Babel.The Dutchman has flattered to deceive from the moment he walked into Anfield three years ago. Ten goals in his first season was followed by just four the following year and only six last season.Occasional flashes of brilliance such as the stunning strike against Lyon in the Champions League have been overshadowed by a succession of desperate performances when he has remained firmly on the periphery. He's a player too often found sulking on the wing and running down blind alleys.There have been many false dawns at Liverpool for the right-footed left winger who insists he is a centre forward.So many times one display seemed to signal a coming of age, only for him to slip back into bad habits.When Liverpool paid Ajax £11.5million for his services, Babel was one of Europe's hottest young properties. Since then he has failed miserably to live up to the hype.Rafa Benitez couldn't tap into his undoubted potential.

Source: Liverpool_Echo