Just a quick reply ASI to one small point about Babel.
I'm genuinely not surprised Babel played well Monday. I have been very critical of Benitez and now Hodgson for their treatment of the player.
Granted they see him on a day to day basis but it was always clear by his performances that he was not a winger but both Rafa and Roy continued to play him there if he did get any minutes on the pitch.
Roy promised him a run up front before Christmas but had it not been for the birth of Nandos child Babel would most likely have been flogged in January without that chance.
He played in Europe and scored, I thought played well but was then hauled off at half time.
I think alot of people on here have recognised Babels talent, have been frustrated by his performances on the wing but also understood its not his position.
If Roy decided to keep him in the team today because of his performance Monday at the expense of Nando I would not have a problem and I think it would send a great message through the team that if your playing well you will get a shot. It might show the more senior players like Torres and Gerrard that they have to work hard to stay in the team. It will prevent complacency setting in while giving the fringe players a boost.
So much for making a quick point! I'm off to buy a Christmas tree...........
Juan, I think the hope with Rafa and Roy was that Babel could be turned into a winger with his pace and power. Kuyt has done a pretty decent job on the right for us and I think they just persevered with Babel in the hope that it would work.
For whatever reason it hasn't so now Roy has to work out a system that can bring out the best in Babel up front with Torres. Maybe Maxi out on the left will work. Nice problems to have some might sy.
LATER: Babel doesn't start. He's on the bench. Ngog is preferred. Here's the lineup. Presumably 4-4-2.
Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Konchesky, Skrtel, Kyrgiakos, Meireles, Lucas, Kuyt, Maxi, Ngog, Torres. Subs: Jones, Kelly, Aurelio, Poulsen, Cole, Jovanovic, Babel.