Babel: I can be the new Henry
Ryan Babel is aiming to light up Liverpool the way Thierry Henry ignited Arsenal.
The 20-year-old forward has sealed a five-year deal at Anfield after helping Holland win the European Under-21 Championship. Liverpool had to pay Ajax £11.5million for his services and Babel is determined to give value for money.
Henry quickly established himself as one of the Premier League's finest entertainers and Babel revealed he sees himself in the same mould as the Frenchman, saying: "It is great that some people are comparing me to Henry. I will work hard to get to his level or maybe beyond it in the next few years."
He added: "Hopefully I am somebody that will please the supporters. I am a fast player, who likes to dribble and play beautiful football. I like to score goals as well. I have heard the Liverpool fans get behind the team in every game and that is important to me."
Babel checked in at Anfield at the same time as former West Ham midfielder Yossi Benayoun for a reported £5million. With strikers Fernando Torres and Andryi Voronin already recruited, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has given a clear statement of intent.
Babel said: "If you are Liverpool you have to go for the championship. This year is going to be an exciting one. I like to think I play well in the big games. It was that way last season when Ajax faced PSV and Feyenoord. Hopefully we can win a lot of prizes this season."
Israel midfielder Benayoun believes he is making a step up in class. He said: "This is the biggest move of my career and a dream for me.
"At 27 I am ready to play for a club like Liverpool. I think I deserve to get this chance. It is not about money, it is about ambition and the opportunity to win trophies. Of course there is going to be competition for places but I am prepared to work hard."
And Reds boss Benitez revealed he is pleased with the way his squad is shaping up.
He said: "Ryan and Yossi can both play as wingers. Ryan is a player with quality and pace. He is a very good young player. He is playing well now and will play well in the future. Yossi brings a different dimension to the team. He can change games, especially when you play at home. He has experience in England and that is really important. He can help the other players here."
