Could this be the end of our goalscoring woes? Let’s hope James Clark from Read Aston Villa has some good news for us! After all, he’s probably watched Christian Benteke more than we have over the past few seasons…
What are Benteke’s biggest strengths and weaknesses?
Benteke was really good all round really, it was hard to see much wrong.
Although he is capable of giving a lazy shift and not wanting to run the channels in the ways he can do. It’s probably more of a mental weakness then a technical one.
His strengths are all over, he’s somewhat of a complete forward. His pace – thanks to his build – is greater than most centre-backs.
Plus, his first touch, finishing, and heading is top drawer.
Will he be able to adapt to Liverpool’s style of play or does he really just feed off crosses and long balls?
I think Benteke will adapt, contrary to some Liverpool fans’ beliefs.
Many see him as a target man with a big ability to head a ball and hold up play, but that is an injustice to his actual quality.
He is excellent on the floor, and his first touch is second to none in some cases.
Also, his finishing is world class and with that Liverpool midfield behind him he’ll definitely score 20 a season.
Can Liverpool fans expect to see him hit the ground running or will he take time to bed in?
I think the key is making sure he is given minutes and stays injury free.
You don’t spend £32.5m on Benteke and then start Daniel Sturridge up top on his own. He needs to play.
I’m sure the medical staff at Liverpool have an extensive report on the Belgian and will manage his fitness a lot better than Villa did, just due to the fact that Liverpool have more depth.
So I wouldn’t be surprised if Benteke bagged a few at the start of the season.
In your opinion, is he really worth the reported £32.5m fee Liverpool will eventually pay?
This is the funny part for me – no he really isn’t, at the moment at least.
Without a doubt, he has the potential to be worth £32.5m but after one and a quarter decent seasons; he isn’t worth it at all.
It shows the importance of a proven Premier League goalscorer to an ambitious team like Liverpool.
As you mentioned about starting Sturridge alone up top, do you think the big Belgian will perform best on his own up front with Liverpool’s midfield behind him or alongside another forward?
I think either to be honest, which half supports my statement of him being able to adapt.
Personally, if I was Brendan Rodgers, I would play him with Sturridge as some of his best play has come combining with a striker. I think we all remember the Weimann/Benteke combination play at Anfield a few seasons back!
Does he deserve the move and chance at European football?
In all honesty? No, not really. It’s a bit premature in my opinion.
But this is Premier League football, I’m sure Brendan and his staff have done the cost benefit analysis.
What was the connection like between the player and the Villa fans? The Kop loves nothing more than a hero.
Benteke always seemed to be loved. Villa have close affiliations, though, with goalscoring strikers.
As long as they work – which he did the majority of the time – they’re popular.
I like to think that he felt the same towards us, although he never really mentioned it publicly.
