Ryan Babel

[Guest Snorky]

Just checking and although he's featured in 24 games this season, he has only completed the 90 minutes in three games !

 

Play him week in week out.

[Rimbeux]

He's just turned 21 Kev, is still learning the finer points of the game as well as new league and club. He needs to be eased in and out to avoid setting him a rut of confidence he wont get out of, and so he can watch how the games are playing out before making an impact or in reflection of how he played. We can already see the benefit as he's gradually improved as the season has gone on. Totally right use so far, and he should continue be used in a job share with Kewell and Benny.

[Guest GrandpaSimpson]

He'll only get better if playing games, play him every game for 6 weeks for the full games and lets see what hes made of.

[Earl Hafler]

I would never have swapped him instead of Voronin tonight but i think Rafa needs to keep starting him.

[Coyler]

He'll only get better if playing games, play him every game for 6 weeks for the full games and lets see what hes made of.

The amount of football analysts and thinkers at the club and nobody's thought of this.

[Guest Snorky]

He's just turned 21 Kev, is still learning the finer points of the game as well as new league and club. He needs to be eased in and out to avoid setting him a rut of confidence he wont get out of, and so he can watch how the games are playing out before making an impact or in reflection of how he played. We can already see the benefit as he's gradually improved as the season has gone on. Totally right use so far, and he should continue be used in a job share with Kewell and Benny.

 

General rule of thumb is that if you aint a regular at 22 then you never will be.

 

He's old enough to play 90 minutes week in week out. He's too good to be a bit player.

[Rimbeux]

He'll only get better if playing games, play him every game for 6 weeks for the full games and lets see what hes made of.

 

 

He's getting better week on week being played as he is.

[Coyler]

I would never have swapped him instead of Voronin tonight but i think Rafa needs to keep starting him.

You would have brought Benayoun on for Voronin? Don't get you.

[CaptainXabi]

He'll only get better if playing games, play him every game for 6 weeks for the full games and lets see what hes made of.

Exactly. If he's so mentally fragile that he can't pick himself up sometimes then we shouldn't have bought him. He's 21 years old not 15. He's ace and will figure things out just fine - just let him play.

[alias75]

I would never have swapped him instead of Voronin tonight but i think Rafa needs to keep starting him.

 

maybe Crouch's red card means he'll get a chance up front. Would rather Veonin had the 90 min since he wont feature on the weekend while Babel will.

[koppper]

Exactly. If he's so mentally fragile that he can't pick himself up sometimes then we shouldn't have bought him. He's 21 years old not 15. He's ace and will figure things out just fine - just let him play.

 

You know him that well do you?

 

How good was Placcy in the beginning?

 

He's improving and is obviously a confidence player from what others have said.

Edited December 19, 2007 by koppper

[Rimbeux]

General rule of thumb is that if you aint a regular at 22 then you never will be.

 

He's old enough to play 90 minutes week in week out. He's too good to be a bit player.

 

 

And by next season he will be a starter every game. Being a sub and/or getting a part of every game is a great way for a player to figure out ways they can improve and better impact games. I'm sure as the season goes on he'll play more and more complete games. This is how young players are brought on properly, we as a club have probably leaned on and rushed ours in the recent past.

[Eskimo]

General rule of thumb is that if you aint a regular at 22 then you never will be.

 

He's old enough to play 90 minutes week in week out. He's too good to be a bit player.

 

He's been here all of five minutes Kev, he's still adapting to a new league/country etc... He may swim if chucked in but what happens if he sinks?

[CaptainXabi]

You know him that well do you?

Well everyone else seems to know him so well that they're certain he's mentally fragile and will off himself the first time he misses a chance.

Edited December 19, 2007 by CaptainXabi

[M4TTA]

i really like the look of Babel, arsenal mate said he's gutted they didn't go in for him and thinks he's going to be a really good player for us. I like him, good touch, good finisher, but still looks a bit raw? hmm is that the right phrase i'm looking for?

[Guest Snorky]

He's been here all of five minutes Kev, he's still adapting to a new league/country etc... He may swim if chucked in but what happens if he sinks?

 

Football is the same in any language, and I believe he'll learn better and quicker by doing and not watching.

[Guest GrandpaSimpson]

The amount of football analysts and thinkers at the club and nobody's thought of this.

 

 

I know, I should be a player coach I think, I could play in Momo's position "doing a job" and after the game could advise Rafa. Fantastic.

[CaptainXabi]

You know him that well do you?

 

How good was Placcy in the beginning?

 

He's improving and is obviously a confidence player from what others have said.

You realize I like Babel right? I'm saying play him more not less....

 

In any case, Placcy was 17 when he came. There is a big difference in maturity between 17 and 21. I think Babel will shine if given the chance. I'm not saying he has to play every single game and become a leader on the pitch. Just that I think he's ready to start 1 in 2 or 1 in 3 matches.

 

I'm sure Rafa has thought about it. I just think that when there is minimal difference between a young, talented player and the competition based on current form, the young player might as well be given his chance.

Edited December 19, 2007 by CaptainXabi

[Rimbeux]

Well everyone else seems to know him so well that they're certain he's mentally fragile and will off himself the first time he misses a chance.

 

 

It's not about being mentally fragile, it's about learning your craft, and some of that involves not being rushed for short term gain.

[Eskimo]

Football is the same in any language, and I believe he'll learn better and quicker by doing and not watching.

 

So why does every foreign lad that comes over say the same thing i.e. the Prem is totally different to every other league?

[Guest Snorky]

So why does every foreign lad that comes over say the same thing i.e. the Prem is totally different to every other league?

 

Most foreign lads I know ask for the Benefit Office first

[Digger]

He's just turned 21 Kev,

 

Didnt Rooney turn 21 a few weeks ago!

[Guest Snorky]

Didnt Rooney turn 21 a few weeks ago!

 

How old was Owen when he first played regularly for England as well ?

 

If you are good enough, you are old enough and Ryan is DEFINATELY good enough to warrent starts week in week out

[Digger]

If you are good enough, you are old enough and Ryan is DEFINATELY good enough to warrent starts week in week out

 

Agreed. he showed enough in the bit part he had on sunday that he should be getting more games.

[Rimbeux]

Didnt Rooney turn 21 a few weeks ago!

 

Rooney who's not become the worldbeater yet, who's stood still as a player, Rooney who's lived in this country all his life, playing in the PL for 4 years, who complained loads about Moyes easing him in?

 

Yep Michael Owen did all his best before he was 21, starred in a WC also, but never finished his development or looked after his long term physical health because there were games to play.