Liverpool

Ryan Babel hails Liverpool's Dutch duo

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 17 April 2020

Former Liverpool winger Ryan Babel heaps praise on Dutch compatriots Virgil van Dijk and Georginio Wijnaldum for their impact at Anfield.

Former Liverpool winger Ryan Babel has heaped praise on Dutch compatriots Virgil van Dijk and Georginio Wijnaldum.

While Babel had a limited impact during his four-year spell at Anfield, Van Dijk and Wijnaldum played a key role in Liverpool becoming European champions last season.

With the duo also starring in Liverpool's Premier League campaign since August, Babel has described the pair as "incredible".

The 33-year-old told the club's official website: "I have no words for Gini's performances and quality. He's an incredible person. He's very complete – he can score goals, he can tackle, can defend, recover balls. Gini's development is also incredible.

"Virgil has developed himself over the last three or four years. If you see how he developed since coming to Liverpool, his focus is incredible – 90 minutes fully sharp.

"Now with the leader that he's become, he definitely deserves it. He's also very important for us in the Dutch team and a great captain. Much respect to him."

During his time at Liverpool between 2007 and 2011, Babel scored 22 goals from 65 starts and 81 substitute appearances in all competitions.