Babel Can Be The New Henry - Boateng Middlesbrough captain George Boateng believes his compatriot Ryan Babel, the Liverpool forward, has the potentia

High praise has come the way of Liverpool star Ryan Babel from an international team-mate, who thinks he could go on to be the new Thierry Henry.

Middlesbrough's George Boateng had trained with Babel in the Holland squad long before Babel moved to Anfield in the summer. And he was impressed with what he saw.

Boateng feels Babel is a highly talented player with the potential to go right to the top. The two players were in opposition on Saturday at The Riverside where Boro drew 1-1 with Liverpool.

"A player who really impresses me is Ryan Babel," said Boateng. "I've followed his career in Holland with interest and he has a great future. In fact, he could be the new Thierry Henry.
"He has the body, speed and pace – everything he needs to develop his game. He is also a great lad with a really good attitude and is very down to earth.
"From the first day I trained with him in the Holland camp a few years ago, I knew this boy was really something. Liverpool have a golden player on their hands.
"Rafa Benitez knows it takes time for a player to settle in a new country. Babel's best times are yet to come."