Winger has until January to prove himself worthy of a first team spot otherwise he may have to leave to cement his World Cup hopes.

Football - Preston North End v Liverpool FA Cup Third Round

Liverpool forward Ryan Babel has to force himself into a regular first team spot at Anfield, according to Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk, or his chances of representing his country at next summer’s World Cup finals in South Africa will disappear.

The powerful winger has only impressed fitfully during his time on Merseyside so far, though many feel that Reds manager Rafa Benitez has not necessarily given the Dutchman as much opportunity as he perhaps should have, and Van Marwijk has affirmed that he needs his international players to be performing as regularly as possible for their clubs in order to put themselves properly in the frame for Holland.

Babel was originally left out of the squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifier against Scotland at Hampden Park on Wednesday night, having only been called up as a late replacement, and more time on the pitch at Anfield is what is needed for the player to be a regular for the Oranje.

“You have to be top at every level. It’s good when their players play at a level that is as high as possible,” he told Sky Sports News. “When you play three games in half a year, you can’t have your normal level.”

As for whether Babel should perhaps look for another club, Van Marwijk dropped a broad hint that it would perhaps be a good idea, adding, laconically: “They [players] have to make their own decisions, but they know what I mean.” (Goal.com)

Yet more evidence that seems to suggest that Ryan Babel and Liverpool football club are not a good fit. The Dutchman has had many chances to prove himself worthy of a run in the team but steadfastly refuses to put in two consecutive worthwhile performances.

A move to Holland may do him a world of good, even if it’s just a loan one in January, It may still get his confidence back up because at the moment he is just not an option that Rafa can turn to.

Until the transfer window reopens Benitez will be best placed to play the former Ajax man in the manner he was used in his first season. As an impact player coming off the bench because at the moment Yossi Benayoun is the best choice to play out wide left and Albert Riera should be used as an option after the Israeli.

The Liverpool boss has another more daring option but I just can’t see him taking the risk. That option is to play Babel right up alongside and just off Fernando Torres, it could be the last chance Babel has to prove himself because otherwise it does seem like time is running out for a player who is hugely talented but seemingly devoid of any self esteem and confidence.


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