Ryan Babel was never able to show his true potential at Liverpool FC

Jan 29 2011 by Luke Traynor, Liverpool Echo

HAS anyone frustrated as much during their time at Liverpool than Ryan Babel?

The Dutchman left Anfield for Hoffenheim this week, and like any Red, he goes with the best wishes from many on Merseyside.

But, if his career in England can be summed up in just one word, it would surely be that of frustration.

Babel arrived with a burgeoning reputation having spearheaded Holland to European Championship U-21 glory.

His £11.5m price tag suggested a star in the making, some much-needed pace and flair for the Liverpool frontline.

It never panned out, however, and the 24-year-old heads to Germany having never fulfilled his undoubted potential.

Did we grow accustomed to the regular sight of Babel pinning back his ears and truly turning on the gas?

Hardly.

The debate continues about Babel’s best position – centre forward or winger – but the fact remains that he was given ample opportunity to prove himself in both berths, and failed to convince in either.

Yes, there were moments of brilliance from Babel.

He turned the game for Liverpool in the famous Champions League quarter final against Arsenal in 2008, with a determined run that won the all-important penalty that ultimately sent the Reds through, followed by a breakaway fourth goal that sealed the game.

Any strike against Manchester United is revered on the Kop, so who can forget his strike, albeit slightly scuffed, that helped beat their most bitter rivals in September 2008?

And his 30 yard blockbuster against Lyon in November 2009 left Reds ecstatic and wistful in equal measure. With such a capacity to unleash such bombs with his right foot, why did we see that booming shot so infrequently?

The suspicion remained that Babel produced when it seemed not to matter.

Liverpool fans will now follow the Dutchman’s career in the Bundesliga with interest to see if the ills that plagued him in England will follow him to Germany.

If he is a man reborn, however, it will leave Reds scratching their heads.