The Dutch youngster has established a reputation as a super-sub at Anfield after moving from Ajax in an £11m switch two years ago.

The 22-year-old has scored nine times in all competitions after climbing off the bench but now Benitez wants the player - who only started 13 matches last season - to take the next step.

very happy

The Reds' manager said: "Ryan has done well as an impact player, which is not easy when you are young, but we think he can do more than that.

"Our view of Ryan is a player who starts games and has an impact from the beginning. But first of all he has to improve tactically."

Babel has so far made 21 Barclays Premier League starts for Liverpool with a further 36 appearances as substitute, scoring seven league goals.

Babel is rated at around £10m in the transfer market and has previously been linked with moves to Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.

But his agent Winnie Haatrecht says the player wants to stay and prove himself at Anfield.

"Ryan is very happy at Liverpool and clearly doesn't want to leave," said Haatrecht. "He still has a three-year contract."