Ryan Guno Babel has been making a name for himself in the Dutch football circle since 1998. Born on December 19, 1986 in Amsterdam, Netherland, Babel has more than 9 years of football experience to date, including 19 goals, and at just 18-years-old he became Netherland’s youngest scorer in 68 years. Just recently Babel was named “man of the match” after scoring a goal in the 4-1 under-21 EURO cup final victory over Serbia.

AFC Ajax youth academy signed him to play the 1998 – 1999 season for their D1 team when he was 11. He then passed through the A1, B1, and C1 teams quickly, and, in January 2004, he signed his first pro contract.

Babel is an accomplished right footed striker and a left winger. He has been likened to a young Kevin Campbell in strength and build. With awareness of the field, great vision, good first touch, and strength on the ball, he handles stressful situations well. It has also been said that Babel has a nice balance in knowing when to run at people, as well as when to release a teammate.

His skill has helped him to receive an international cap against Romania in which he produced two goals, as well as to win the 2007 European Under-21 Championships. His achievements include taking part in the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup, the 2006 World Cup in Germany, and the June 2007 UEFA Under-21 Championship.

Currently, Babel plays for Liverpool wearing the number 19 jersey. He was transferred to the Reds after they paid a transfer fee in the area of £11.5 million, which resulted in a 5 year contract being signed on July 13, 2007. On August 11, 2007 he had his debut with the Reds when he appeared as a substitute against Aston Villa in the second-half. Just a month after his debut, Babel feels that he is already a better player than when he was in back in the Eredivisie, due mostly to the help of Reds’ football coach, Rafa Benitez.