Rafael Benitez believes Ryan Babel will make a major impact at Anfield this season. Benitez bought the young Dutchman from Ajax in 2007 but has failed to hold down a first-team place.

Benitez paid over £10-million to bring the 22-year-old winger to England from Ajax in July 2007 but Babel has since struggled to hold down a permanent first-team place.

But having now spent two years in England, the Spaniard feels Babel is ready to step up and make his mark in the coming campaign.

"We are really impressed with him this year because he came back after the summer really fit, he's trying to do his best and it is very positive when you have a player with talent," Benitez said.

"The first two years is always difficult in another country but I think if you have the right mentality like he has now, he will improve."

Liverpool face Thailand in Bangkok on Wednesday in the first leg of a two-match tour that also takes in Singapore.

Rather than viewing an arduous trip to the Far East as an unwanted distraction, Benitez feels it will prove beneficial for their title assault over the coming season.

"You need to know the players, the understanding between them, the fitness levels, you always have to analyse what happened last year and how you can improve," he said.

"The preparation in pre-season is really crucial so this week will be important for us, we'll try to train properly and try to play well if we can. It is a key part of the season."


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