Ryan Babel is more than supersub says Rafael Benitez
LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez insists that Ryan Babel can be more than just a 'supersub' for his side and has challenged the Dutch international to earn himself a regular starting place in his side.
Babel was an unused substitute in Saturday's 2-0 derby victory over Everton at Goodison Park but four of his six appearances so far this season since coming back from the Olympic Games - including when he struck the winner against Manchester United - have been after coming off the bench.
The 21-year-old has netted eight times as a substitute since arriving from Ajax in 2007 and is closing in on David Fairclough's club record of 18 goals from the bench.
However, Benitez is now expecting Babel to push for a place in the starting line-up.
He said: "Our view of Ryan is a player who starts games and has an impact from the beginning, not just as a sub.
"But first of all he has to improve tactically and we are working with him on that.
"He is the kind of player who can change games and he has done that when coming from the bench.
"Now we want him to start games and change them."
Babel could come face to face with a familiar foe when Liverpool face PSV Eindhoven tomorrow night and he'll do so with a ringing endorsement from Benitez.
The player knows all about Huub Stevens's side from his Ajax days, when both teams fought it out at the top of the Eredivisie and he scored the winning goals against them in the 2005 Dutch Super Cup.
Having completed his first season in the Premier League, Babel's progress has impressed Benitez who reckons that the great differences in style between England and the Netherlands can make it difficult for players to adapt.
He said: "You need to remember that Dutch players coming to England with great quality have always needed time.
"Robin van Persie was like that and Dennis Bergkamp also needed time. The leagues are totally different.
"The Dutch league is very technical and you have two or three teams that are very good.
"Every game is about getting the ball, keeping the ball and playing nice football.
"Here it is harder, though Babel has played some fantastic games for us.
"So we still have a lot of confidence he can progress, but now he has to work hard on defence and learn how to challenge players.
"He has done well as an impact player, which is not easy when you are young, but we think he can do more than that for us."
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