Dutch forward Ryan Babel has detailed the problems he faced when he made the move from Ajax to Liverpool earlier in his career.
Like many, the striker will be tuning in to watch Liverpool host Ajax in the Champions League this evening in matchday two of Group A.
It should prove to be a fascinating clash between the two, with Ajax in fine form early in the campaign and Liverpool determined to bounce back from last week’s 4-1 defeat to Napoli.
There is an added interest for Babel as it is two of his former sides, with the striker playing 146 times for Liverpool and 142 for Ajax.
His time on Merseyside is not remembered all too fondly and he admits it’s tough for young players to make such a switch.
“As a young player, the step from the Eredivisie to the Premier League is really big,” Ajax Showtime report him saying.
“It is already so much tougher physically than in the Netherlands. In addition, as a young player you end up in a different culture.
“You have to adapt to that. Not every player gets that time, because supporters and media expect a lot from a new young acquisition right from the start.”
