PLayers can only get so many chances at Liverpool, and Babel is on his last one

Published 15:48 26/02/10

Ryan Babel recently revealed that he knows what is required of him to make the grade at Anfield after a heart-to-heart with Rafael Benitez about his Liverpool future.

It is unclear whether the Holland international will adhere to this new pledge or will revert to type but, given his previous form, the latter seems to be a more likely outcome of the 23-year-old's latest second chance.

No one knows why Benitez persists with Babel as he continues to show that he does not possess the ability or mentality required to leave his much-maligned tag behind and join the likes of Lucas Leiva and Yossi Benayoun in cementing a regular first-team place from inconsistent periods.

Some believe that the Spaniard has abandoned his successful system of shipping out players that are not up to scratch in a bid to prove a point after Babel's signing was reportedly the straw that broke the camel’s back when it came to his working relationship with Pako Ayesteran.

The Reds' former assistant manager is back at Valencia as a coach after a similar spell with Benfica. His departure from Anfield was prompted by allegations of talking to other clubs and doubts over Babel's ability, something which Benitez dismissed due to his compatriot's status as merely a fitness coach but it appears Pako was right.

There are only so many chances one player can realistically have in the Premier League, especially at a club of Liverpool's stature and this latest heart-to-heart could prove to be the final chance and have been too many glaring examples of his failure to maximise his potential as a pacy attacker.

If one game summed up his unsuccessful three-year spell at Anfield best, it was the draw with Lyon in November last year. Babel hit a stunning 30-yard shot to give his side the lead at the Stade Gerland. Less than a minute later, Liverpool won a free-kick deep in Lyon's half which Babel proceeded to fire so far off target that it rolled out for a throw in for the home side.

Rarely has one player remained in the senior ranks at Anfield for so long by demonstrating only glimpses of his true potential amidst spells of inconsistency and unprofessional conduct.

When Michael Owen was looking for another club last summer, his management company circulated a glossy brochure highlighting his qualities including being instinctive, stylish, dynamic and, most laughable of all, "fit & healthy".

If Babel's management company had to piece together a similar resumé for their client, it would read along similar lines which any Kopite could read between with ease. For example - passionate = temperamental, technology savvy = Twitter fiend, and committed = to inconsistency and rapping only, and so on.

He may redeem himself by proving everyone wrong to not only secure a place in the Holland squad for this summer's World Cup but also enjoy the same level respect Benayoun and Lucas currently enjoy from the Anfield faithful.

Based on his track record, however, there will not be many tears shed if or when this enigma leaves the club.

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