Babel admits Liverpool frustrations

The Dutchman joined the Reds from Ajax for £11.5million in 2007, but is frustrated at a lack of opportunities at Anfield.

“I’m satisfied with my level of performance but the situation is clear – that I’m not going to be one of the regular 11 starters,” Babel said in The Guardian.

“It’s difficult. I do get frustrated. I can tell myself that I’m still only 21 and at the start of my career.

“But it is making it hard for me because, as time goes on, they keep telling me that I’m young and that my time will come. Well, OK, but I’m not a player who wants to wait. I want to be involved now rather than in three or four years’ time.”

“I have always said that I want to play as a striker,” he added.

“Of course, it would not help me improve if I wasn’t able to play, or train, in another position a couple of times. But all the time?

“I used to play as a striker in Holland. I grew up as a striker. That’s the position I want to play.

“But I’m working on it. I look at myself before I blame others. I’m going to do something about it. It’s not something I’m scared about.”