Former Liverpool winger John Barnes reckons the Reds will have to change their style of play in order to accommodate potential new signing Christian Benteke.
The move to Anfield edged closer after reports emerged yesterday about the Belgian international’s intentions to inform Aston Villa about his wish to join Liverpool.
The pursuit of Benteke has received mixed responses in social media with some fans unsure of his playing style and while Barnes has echoed that concern, he says it’s not really a bad thing.
Barnes said on talkSport: “Liverpool will have to adapt the way they play to suit Christian Benteke.
“When they play with Raheem Sterling, and Philippe Coutinho, they pass the ball through midfield and always want to score the perfect goal.
“With Benteke, you get the ball wide and then in the box, you need to be a little bit more direct.
“If he comes it will need a sweeping change in the way Liverpool play. Would that be a bad thing? Not necessarily, balance is important. At times Liverpool overplayed which really came off two years ago but didn’t last season. He would cause people a lot of problems.”
Benteke, who joined Villa from Genk in 2012, has scored a total of 49 goals in 101 appearances for the Midlands side.
Last season, the 24-year-old scored 13 goals and provided two assists.
His club are requesting a bid close to his reported release clause of £32.5m but the Reds are reluctant to part with such a substantial amount of money.
