Last week Babel accused the Liverpool boss of breaking
promises of increased first-team action, claiming it was wrecking
his dream of making Holland's World Cup squad.
But last night Benitez took a swipe of his own and
ordered the Dutchman to stick to doing his talking on the
pitch.
Spanish winger Albert Riera has also complained about
his lack of chances - and the pair have been given both barrels by
the Kop boss.
Benitez blasted: "Albert and Ryan both want to play,
and because they play in the same position - and have to compete
with each other - that is good for us. But the message is very
simple. On the pitch all the players have to prove
something."
Babel was even pressing for a loan move back to Ajax.
But Benitez added: "Ryan knows he cannot go now, so he has to
impress. He is a good player and we know he has talent.
"It's important for us to see how he progresses over
these months. "With the World Cup at the end of the year, the
majority of our players will want to impress and if they do well in
each training session they will have more chances."