In a remarkable turn of events, Ryan Babel has expressed his belief that Aston Villa would be an ideal destination for Ajax's promising young talent, Jorrel Hato. The 19-year-old defender has been attracting attention from several Premier League clubs, including giants like Liverpool and Arsenal. However, Babel, a former Dutch international and Liverpool star, argues that a move to Villa could provide Hato with the right environment to flourish.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with BesteOnlineCasinoNederland, Babel elaborated on the challenges young players face when transitioning to the Premier League. He recalls his own experiences and emphasizes the importance of finding a suitable fit rather than simply jumping to a top club. "I would advise him not to go to such a top club right away, but to go to a club where he can develop further in a higher rhythm and in a different culture. In the Premier League, I think of clubs like Aston Villa or Newcastle, which are also not 'small' clubs," Babel stated.
Hato, who has been making waves in the Eredivisie, has shown considerable potential, and his performances have not gone unnoticed. Babel cautions against the pitfalls of moving to a larger club too soon, where the pressure to perform can be overwhelming for young players. He noted that clubs like Manchester City or Chelsea might not afford the same developmental opportunities, as they often prioritize immediate results over nurturing talent.
Babel's insights come at a time when many young players are facing immense pressure to succeed in the Premier League. He believes that Aston Villa, under the guidance of manager Unai Emery, offers a more nurturing environment for emerging talents. "The expectation to get results is still present, but there is more leeway, particularly compared to a club like Manchester City or Chelsea that would be all too eager to simply replace a 'failed' project with the next hot name of the month," Babel explained.
As Villa continues to build its squad, the prospect of Hato joining the club could be an exciting development for both the player and the team. Babel's endorsement of Villa as a fitting destination for Hato highlights the importance of careful consideration in the transfer market, especially for young players looking to make their mark in a competitive league.
In another intriguing revelation, Babel also reflected on his time at Galatasaray, where he shared the dressing room with Emre Mor, a player he likened to the legendary Lionel Messi. Babel's admiration for Mor's skill and movement on the pitch was evident as he recalled their time together. "I was very lucky to play with top-class players for both club and country, many of whom weren’t big names but you would watch them in training and just be blown away. The one who stood out to me was Emre Mor, whom I played with at Galatasaray. He was left-footed, and honestly, he moved like Lionel Messi – he was that good on the ball," Babel shared.
Despite Mor's undeniable talent, Babel pointed out the challenges the winger has faced in his career. Currently on loan at Eyupspor from Fenerbahce, Mor has struggled to find consistency, managing only one goal and four assists in 15 appearances this season. Babel expressed his disappointment that Mor has not been able to showcase his abilities on a larger stage. "Unfortunately, he has never really cracked it at one club, and I don’t think mentally he’s quite in the right place to be successful. He would always point fingers at the manager and other players instead of looking in the mirror," Babel commented.
Reflecting on his career, Babel also mentioned Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard as the most talented teammate he has ever played with. Having joined Liverpool from Ajax in 2007, Babel had the opportunity to train alongside Gerrard, whose work ethic and leadership left a lasting impression. "Stevie was the best I played with by a mile. His work ethic on the training pitch was so far above anyone else, and he was a real inspiration to me and really influenced my career," Babel said.
In the backdrop of these discussions, Babel also shared insights on the recent success of manager Slot at Liverpool. Slot made history by securing the Premier League title in his first season, becoming the first Dutch coach to achieve this feat. Babel believes that Slot's approach differs significantly from that of previous Dutch managers who often relied on familiar players from the Eredivisie.
"I think he's surprised everyone. In my opinion, he did it differently from a lot of Dutch managers. Usually, Dutch managers when they go abroad, they bring in new signings and players who they know and usually all from the Eredivisie. Not only Erik Ten Hag did that, Frank de Boer did that, Louis van Gaal did it, many Dutch managers did it before. And he was like, 'Okay, why are Dutch managers not so successful?' - because of certain habits that they have," Babel explained.
Slot's only signing since taking charge of Liverpool was Federico Chiesa from Juventus for £10 million, a move that reflects his intention to avoid the common pitfalls faced by many Dutch coaches in the Premier League. Babel's insights into the coaching landscape highlight the shifting dynamics in football and the importance of adaptability in achieving success.
As the football world continues to evolve, the narratives surrounding young talents like Hato and established players like Mor serve as a reminder of the complexities of player development and the strategic decisions that shape careers. With Babel's experiences and observations, fans can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for these players in their respective journeys.
As the transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Hato and whether he takes Babel's advice to heart, potentially making a move to Aston Villa to further his career in the Premier League.
