“Implemented Those Laws Because Of Me…” – Ryan Babel On Salah, Van Dijk & His Liverpool Time | OneFootball

By Luke Pugh

Ryan Babel has spoken candidly to Beste Online Casino Nederland 2025, about the current Liverpool squad, his own playing career, and wider footballing opinions — including why Trent Alexander-Arnold has earned the right to leave, and how Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk are still vital to the Reds’ success.

With both Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk extending their contracts at Anfield, Babel believes keeping the duo was vital to Liverpool’s style of play and long-term ambitions.

“Virgil gave a lot of assists or at least started a lot of attacks by passing to Salah,” said Babel. “So I would say they are equally as important. At one point, Liverpool will have to get used to the fact that they’ll leave, but right now they both still have a lot to give.”

On Trent Alexander-Arnold’s possible departure at the end of the season, Babel offered empathy and support.

“It’s Trent’s career, and we shouldn’t be so entitled to decide for him what’s best. He gave everything for his club… now he has the ambition to try and do it for a different club. I wish him luck.”

However, Babel isn’t convinced Conor Bradley is fully ready to fill Trent’s shoes just yet. “I think it’s good to sign another good right full-back. He could be ready to replace Trent, but you also need a backup or someone equally as good.”

How Liverpool Became Premier League Champions | The Deep Dive

Looking back on his own career, Babel spoke fondly of scoring against Arsenal in the Champions League — even if it meant breaking the heart of his childhood club.

“Scoring in that game was definitely mixed emotions because Arsene Wenger was still one of my favourite managers… Arsenal was also playing incredible football already at that time.”

He also credited Rafa Benitez for helping him grow tactically as a player during his early days at Liverpool.

“He made me understand very early on to always be of value in any game… Not every game is about perfect dribbling.”

Babel also recalled one of the toughest defenders he faced — Jose Bosingwa of Chelsea. “His style of defending was very out of the ordinary. You had to bring your A-game to try and beat him.”

The Redmen TV are proudly partnered with Dr. Emrah Cinik

In 2011, Babel became the first footballer fined over a social media post criticising referee Howard Webb, something he now sees as a turning point.

“At that time, you didn’t really have social media laws yet in football contracts. Now you do, and I think they implemented those laws because of me.”

Looking ahead to Europe’s top competitions, Babel shared some surprise predictions:

“I think Athletic Bilbao will win the Europa League. Then a Barcelona vs PSG Champions League final — and I think Barcelona will win it.”

On rising Ajax star Jorrel Hato, who himself has been linked with a move to Anfield, Babel suggested the 19-year-old centre-back should stay in Amsterdam, but if he does leave, Aston Villa or Newcastle would be the right kind of stepping stone.

“He would do well to choose a team where he can still kind of grow into the culture.”