Luis Suarez: Ajax 15-Goal Star in Swap with Liverpool Misfit Ryan Babel?
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is continuing to monitor the form of Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez in regards to a January move. The Ajax star has been in superb form in Holland with reports from the Dutch press suggesting a swap deal involving Ryan Babel and £5m will see the creative star move to Anfield.
Suarez has been playing in Holland for the past three and a bit seasons and has consistently scored goals whether playing on the flanks or just behind the main striker. Last season was his best tally so far after scoring 22 goals in 31 league appearances (30 starts). Eight of those 22 goals came via the penalty spot as Suarez finished joint 2nd in the Dutch scoring charts. Despite the Uruguayan’s best efforts, Ajax finished 12 points behind champions AZ and one point behind 2nd placed FC Twente meaning they failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Ajax’s failure to qualify led Suarez to urge the club to bring in new recruits. He told Sportsweek in the summer, “It would definitely be useful for Ajax to sign some quality players. It’s up to the coach to decide on which position we need to strengthen the squad. However, we could use some physically strong players in my opinion.”
“I’m extremely disappointed that we failed to qualify for the Champions League once again. I need to play at top level in order to keep improving as a player.
“Nevertheless, missing out on Champions League football is not just bad for me, but also disastrous for the club. Ajax have to wait yet another year to play at the highest level.”
Liverpool were one of the clubs who were interested in providing the Uruguayan with the ‘highest level’ of football required as Rafa Benitez is a keen admirer. The player’s versatility also interested the Spaniard who was and still is looking to strengthen his squad significantly. However, Barcelona and Manchester United are also reported to be keen and no wonder as Suarez has started the season under new manager Martin Jol incredibly.
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Ajax are currently 2nd in the Dutch top division but there’s no disputing who is top of the scoring charts. Suarez has scored 15 goals in just 11 league appearances, 8 goals ahead of his nearest competitor. Only two of the fifteen strikes arrived from the penalty spot. Not only has Suarez been his sensational form domestically but also in Europe and for his country. The Uruguayan has scored 5 goals in the Europa League with 4 coming in one match v Slovan Bratislava. He has also scored in two of his last three international appearances.
The 22-year-old began his career in his homeland with club Nacional where he won a Uruguayan title before moving to Groningen in the summer of 2006 for €800,000. In his only season for the club he scored 10 goals in 29 league appearances (26 starts) before Ajax made their move for a fee of €9.5M.
Suarez has been a big hit since his move to Amsterdam after scoring 54 goals in just 75 league appearances (70 starts). His present contract expires in 2012 but with Liverpool, Manchester United, AC Milan and Barcelona still interested this may well be his last season in Holland. That is if he does not secure a move to Anfield in January.
The Uruguayan with 9 goals in 26 appearances for his country does have a reputation for ill-discipline which is perfectly illustrated by the 23 yellow cards he has received in 3 and a bit seasons in Holland. He was also sent-off on his international debut against Colombia in February 2007. However, for what he lacks in discipline, he certainly makes up for in talent. Not only does he score goals but he is also very creative and Liverpool fans will be rueing the fact they missed out on him in the summer. However, if a deal can be done that could change in January. Quotes from Ajax certainly back these reports up.
“It’s up to the technical staff to decide whether Luis will be allowed to leave the club. Nevertheless, we’re ready to talk about a transfer if an extremely good offer comes in,” club director Rik van den Boog was quoted as saying in Algemeen Dagblad.
“We still expect Luis to stay in Amsterdam until the end of the running season, but we are ready to listen to other clubs if a transfer is in the club’s or the player’s best interest.”
Ryan Babel has failed to make a big impression on Merseyside but is still highly regarded in Amsterdam and his homeland. He has grown tired of his bit-part role at Anfield and would relish the chance to star in Martin Jol’s team. In nearly two and a half seasons in England, Babel has made 63 league appearances while scoring 9 goals. However, he has only made 23 Premier League starts and has become disillusioned with both his position within the squad and his position in the team when selected.
Do you like the look of Luis Suarez? Would he be a good acquisition for Liverpool in January? Would you be disappointed if Ryan Babel departed or has he had his chance? Let’s hear your views.
Tags: Ajax, Barcelona, Liverpool, Luis Suarez, Manchester United, Ryan Babel, Uruguay
October 27th, 2009 at 18:25
would be a good start. Then get another striker or winger depending on what position he plays.Let Dossena leave then get lavezzi
October 27th, 2009 at 18:28
and id always be dissapointed if babel would leave as i still feel if he went to arsenal or someone like that then he could actually become the next henry, but i dont think rafas the kind of manager who would help Babel.
October 27th, 2009 at 18:57
Personality issues? I think we´ve seen quite enough of that, thank you. Looks decent, though.
October 28th, 2009 at 07:43
is those clips are meant to highlight his ability then i’m yet to be convinced…all they show is that he takes up good positions and can score from the penalty spot…what’s his first touch like? can he beat defenders? how pacy is he?
October 28th, 2009 at 09:05
I love Babel, i really do. i even have him at the back of my shirt. But i just think his head isnt in the game. He needs to be a bit more ruthless and that is what lets him down. He lacks aggression in his attacks and in the premier league you have to utilise these attributes to take you further.
I think once he develops his personality and brings some anger to his game he will begin to kill defenders off alot easier.
Suarez looks good, ive been watching him for years on Dutch TV. He has got a good touch and is quick. Not like the speed of babel, but he is faster over short distances, kinda like a Yossi. Suarez has the hunger in his game and the anger that takes you to the next level. So nringing him to the club, and still keeping Babel would be interesting. But DONT sell Ryan. He needs to find his feet and grab his opportunities more..
LFC!!
October 28th, 2009 at 11:20
I’d sell babbel,dossena,deggen voronin and buy Villa & Silva.Full stop! Players with real Real quality RAFA!!!