Babel keen to make Anfield debut

Last updated : 19 August 2007 By Al Campbell
Liverpool's £11m signing from Ajax is hoping to be part of the squad for this afternoon's first home game of the season, against Chelsea.

"I have enjoyed my time here so far, the game is totally different to how it is played in Holland. In England it is the hardest and the best competition in Europe," said Babel.

"If I can play here a couple of years I know I will grow as a player and improve.

"We all know how important this game is. If you want to play in the Champions League you must do very well in your league matches and in particular games like against Chelsea.

"If we start the league very well, it will impress and worry all the other teams in the competition.

"We have to recover from the heat of the Toulouse match, but I feel Sunday will be a different team on the pitch. A few of the players were given a rest in France this week, so they will be right for the league game against Chelsea.

"I am looking forward to playing at Anfield for the first time, the players have told me a lot about how good it is to play in front of such a wonderful crowd. Hopefully I will experience that for myself on Sunday."