Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has tipped Ryan Babel
to be a major force at Anfield this season after admitting he is
impressed by his fitness.
Benitez paid over £10million to bring the 22-year-old
winger to England from Ajax in July 2007 but Babel has since
struggled to hold down a permanent first-team place.
But having now spent two years in England, the Spaniard feels
Babel is ready to step up and make his mark in the coming
campaign.
"We are really impressed with him this year because he came back
after the summer really fit, he's trying to do his best and it is
very positive when you have a player with talent," Benitez
said.
"The first two years is always difficult in another country but
I think if you have the right mentality like he has now, he will
improve."
Liverpool face Thailand in Bangkok on Wednesday in the first leg
of a two-match tour that also takes in Singapore.
Rather than viewing an arduous trip to the Far East as an
unwanted distraction, Benitez feels it will prove beneficial for
their title assault over the coming season.
"You need to know the players, the understanding between them,
the fitness levels, you always have to analyse what happened last
year and how you can improve," he said.
"The preparation in pre-season is really crucial so this week
will be important for us, we'll try to train properly and try to
play well if we can. It is a key part of the season."
teamtalk.