Brendan Rodgers predicts Christian Benteke will prove himself to be a £32.5million ‘bargain’ but will not rush the start of his Anfield career.
The Belgium striker will pull on a Liverpool shirt for the first time tomorrow in a friendly at Swindon, with Rodgers having decided he would be better served by spending some extra time training on Merseyside rather than travelling to Finland for tonight’s game at HJK Helsinki.
It is likely that the team which starts here will form the nucleus of the starting line-up at Stoke next Sunday, which suggests that either Danny Ings or Divock Origi will lead the attack.
But no other Liverpool signing will be analysed more this season than Benteke. The 24-year-old’s suitability for Liverpool’s passing style has been questioned.
But Rodgers has no concerns and after working with Benteke for the first time this week, the manager believes his new recruit can fire Anfield’s Champions League ambitions.
‘I think he’ll prove to be a bargain for the club, I really do,’ said Rodgers. ‘I’ve read things about his game, but in the short period of time he’s been in I’ve been even more impressed. I’ve seen him for three years and watched this guy, with his power, strength and ability. One of the goals I remember he scored against us at Anfield, he ran half way through the field.
‘This isn’t someone who lacks pace, movement and intelligence. He’s not just a guy who you chuck the ball up to. His strength allows you to keep the ball, but he’ll help the unpredictability of our game.
‘We know he can play football, we know he can play counter-attack, but we also know when we cross the ball we have got a real presence that is going to allow us to keep the ball in the box for periods of time and for others to get goals from.
‘He doesn’t set the price and I’m thankful the club have brought him in because I really think he’s going to be a huge asset.’
Rodgers, who yesterday sanctioned Rickie Lambert’s £3m sale to West Bromwich, added: ‘I’m excited because of what (Benteke) offers and what’s he has been as an opponent against us. Coming in to a club like Liverpool, he can be a real hero for the supporters.’
For all his enthusiasm, however, Rodgers is not going to make a decision on whether Benteke will play at Stoke until the last moment. Similar sentiments apply to Roberto Firmino, the £29m signing from Hoffenheim, who has only been training at the club for 10 days.
‘It’s a long season with many competitions and we want to be as successful as we can,’ said Rodgers. ‘I have a great belief in the squad and if they (Benteke and Firmino) aren’t fit enough, then the players that have been working certainly will be.’ – Daily Mail