RAFA BENITEZ'S decision to rule out selling Ryan Babel in the transfer window has caused abject disbelief among some Liverpool fans.
'He's had his chance,' some say. 'Cut our losses,' say others. Yet more...well, let's keep it clean, eh?
The Dutchman was widely tipped to be one of the players shown the Anfield exit door this month but Benitez, it seems, has other ideas.
"Babel will have a chance to play," Benitez told the BBC after the 1-1 FA Cup draw with Reading.
"He has to work hard. He's our player and he will have his chances. At this moment we are not trying to sell him."
The 23-year-old was signed from Ajax for £11.5million in 2007 and agreed a five-year deal. Now - halfway through his contract - it's safe to say he hasn't lived up to expectations.
Ten goals in his first season promised much but moments like his peformance in the quarter final of the Champions League against Arsenal - when he won a penalty and scored a goal after coming off the bench - have been few and far between.
So, why not get rid?
I think there's a few reasons behind Benitez's stance. While players like Andrea Dossena (reportedly on his way to Napoli), Philip Degen and, particularly, Andry Voronin look lost causes, Babel could still prove valuable.
With pace, skill, strength and a thunderbolt of a shot in his armoury, he has the tools to do the job. What's been in doubt, is his attitude and commitment.
But even this season he's shown in flashes what he could offer - think his superb goal against Lyon and his impressive run and cross for Fernando Torres's goal against West Ham.
There is something there. Kenny Dalglish saw it, saying Babel could "terrify" Premier League defenders. Marco Van Basten saw it too, saying he had the potential to be "the next Thierry Henry".
Arsene Wenger clearly rated him as well. In fact, a move to Arsenal looked nailed on before Liverpool upped the bidding (how times have changed).
Then there's the World Cup. Babel is running out of time to secure a place in the Holland squad and perhaps Benitez thinks this will fire him up to finally turn potential into performance.
If it does, and he ends up in the Dutch squad and making a contribution in South Africa, wouldn't Liverpool claw back more of that huge fee with such achievements on Babel's CV?
As it is, he's a flop. And flops come cheap - not what's required considering Benitez can only spend what he generates - a situation that looks unlikely to change anytime soon under owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

With money tight, perhaps Rafa thinks a Holland regular with 33 caps is better off on the books than off them - because who (realistically) would he get in to replace him this month?
So now (again) it's up to Babel. But Benitez could play his part too. Give him a run in the team - then, once and for all, there can be no excuses if he blows his chance.
Because, as it stands, Babel has never played in a long run of games for Liverpool. Ok, maybe his performances haven't warranted it. But he certainly has never been afforded the patience offered to other underperforming players.
In 106 appearances, Babel has started 47 games, coming on as a sub in 59. And he's been given the hook 31 times.
The most games Babel has ever started in a row is six, that was in his first season. Last season the figure for most consecutive games was two. This season he has started just five games - and they have never been in a row.
Benitez is often criticised for playing safe. If he keeps Babel this transfer window he has to throw caution to the wind and gamble on him coming good. And that means consecutive games and minutes on the pitch.
If he's never given that opportunity, we'll never know.
Scott · 792 weeks ago
Mister · 792 weeks ago
ke epi treal · 792 weeks ago
is he really any good??
Richard · 792 weeks ago
Philip · 792 weeks ago
Guest1892 · 792 weeks ago
I think Rafa's comment should be emphasized more on the "he has to work hard" part, rather than the "not selling part".
Antirafite · 792 weeks ago
Mike · 792 weeks ago
Ian L · 792 weeks ago
If he came out and said yes he can go, that weakens his negotiation position and drives down the fee.
If he says, no, no, he's staying then it alters his bargaining position. It happens all the time. How many times have managers said there's no way they are interested in Player X and then go and sign him the next week. It's all games.
I wouldn't be surprised if Babel does go this January. I hear the argument for a good World Cup pushing up his price but that's too dependent on other factors outside Rafa's control, like will he play games and then be any good?
Your first loss is always your best loss so I reckon Rafa will get shut over the next few weeks.
@socialknight · 792 weeks ago
Jezzat · 792 weeks ago
Bobbers · 792 weeks ago
If you're looking to sell a player you don't announce it publicly as it puts you in a weak negotiating position.
If we get an offer for Babel that is big enough, he'll be sold. And it'll probably be best for all involved.
mcdonaldtaf 19p · 792 weeks ago
There is no doubting his ability but the lack of consistency can only come from his own mentality and attitude.
It is feasible, given our current financial situation, that Rafa is having to keep him. We would no doubt have to sell him at a loss at a time when the club can't stomach it. The remainder of his contract sitting on the balance sheet could well be worth more than what clubs are willing to pay.
So he'll stay until the summer and Rafa is no doubt hoping a run in the World Cup will increase his value to allow him to offload. The downside is that after being offloaded he will no doubt then have 'something to prove' which will drive him to play with consistency and everyone will ask Rafa why he got rid!
Should Babel go? For business reasons, no. For football reasons, yes.
Varmenni · 792 weeks ago
Babel's main skills are a great right footed shot and straight-line speed. The way teams played us last season, where they would sit deep counters his pace, and playing up front there would be little space for him to use that magic foot of his. So the logical thing to do is to move him out left where he can cut in onto his better (only?) foot and open up lots of space for the fullback to move into.
Whether he should be sold depends on a few factors. The first one is what would it cost to renew his contract. It has now come to the point where he should either get an extension or move on. The second is if we feel that we have enough option to cover those positions he plays, and if not then what would it cost to sign replacements.
Mister · 792 weeks ago
harrygreen · 792 weeks ago
Manu · 791 weeks ago
good blog, cheers from nunca podre tener un dinosaurio
emilblake 11p · 791 weeks ago
I think we're all rooting for him to show his genius. He seems like a nice bloke but is lacking the swagger and self-belief to dominate games.
It's a risk but if he fails and we can get the same money for him in the summer then it's surely worth it, but therein lies the problem.
Nik Gresham · 760 weeks ago
Last night showed it