Babel’s Potential Exit Means…

There is a moment that comes to mind when I reflect on Ryan Babel’s time at the Liverpool Football Club.
Within a span of five minutes in a crucial Champions League group stage match against Lyon, Babel went from heroic substitute to destroyer of Liverpool’s European campaign.  Babel’s heroics came in a moment of brilliance as he dribbled past three defenders and launched 30-yard laser past the previously impenetrable goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. Then given an opportunity to permanently seal himself in Liverpool’s lore, Babel lackadaisically took a direct kick that went straight into the feet of a Lyon defender and ultimately past Pepe Reina off a perfectly placed strike from Lisandro Lopez.
No matter how magical Babel could be, his lapses of concentration could turn the pale faces of Rafa Benitez and Roy Hogdson blood red in angst.
Hence, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the first transfer authorized by Fenway Sports Group was the sale of the 24-year old.
It isn’t Babel’s talent that potentially sees the left winger moving to Germany, rather it is a case of what happens when too much is expected from a young player.
On his game, he has the ability to match the Cristiano Ronaldo’s or Mario Balotelli’s on the pitch. Yet, Babel needed to be slowly developed into stardom.  After all, he had only one season as a professional at Ajax before moving on to LFC.
In the decision to move on, both LFC and Babel will benefit. TSG 1899 Hoffenheim doesn’t have the media or fan scrutiny that Liverpool FC has nor the immense expectations. Babel can slowly regain the confidence that led him to be heralded as one of Ajax’s greatest young talents.
For LFC, the moment signals an end to the tentativeness that doomed the previous boardroom of the club. The club dragged its feet on larger offers on Babel in the past and in the end had to settle for the best deal available. FSG is showing a willingness to aggressively identify both personnel and players who don’t fit with the ambitions or goals of the club. The next 11 days should be exciting as the deadline approaches…