Ryan Babel Hoping to Face Off Against Former Club Liverpool in Champions League

Ryan Babel has said he wants to be draw against Liverpool in the next round of the Champions League, as his current club Besiktas currently top Group G. 

Having spent almost four years at Anfield, Babel made 146 appearances for the Reds, scoring 22 times - but most importantly the Dutchman was a huge fan of the club and city. 

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In an interview with CNN, Babel said: “I want Liverpool in the next round. I am not really bothered who we draw but Liverpool would be really special. It would be a really special game for me but we are ready to take on anyone."

With Besiktas high-flying in Europe this season, they are one of just eight teams left in the Champions League that remain unbeaten. Part of this is credited to the atmosphere created at the Vodafone Arena, which is one of the most intimidating and thunderous in the world. 

"I'm definitely aware of how teams can be intimidated when they have to come here," said Babel, "I also remember at the very early stages [of my career] when I actually came with Liverpool to play my first game against Besiktas at the old stadium."

Plucking from his old experiences, the teams have faced each other four times in European competition, with Babel a part of the Liverpool side that thrashed Besiktas 8-0 in 2007 - the former Red saying: "That was a memory I'll never forget because the fans were very loud and, of course, it has an impact on the away team."

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With Besiktas set to play Porto on November 21st, a win would guarantee a spot in the knockout stages - with the Black Eagles all but qualified already. For the two sides to meet, one must finish second while the other must finish first but both sides remain favourites to top their respective groups.