Rodgers: Benteke is perfect fit for LFC
Brendan Rodgers is confident Christian Benteke’s qualities will enable him to slot seamlessly straight into Liverpool’s system – but predicts there’s much more to come from the Belgium striker.
The summer signing from Aston Villa marked his Reds debut with a stunning volleyed goal against Swindon Town on Sunday.
Rodgers believes the moment served up a glimpse of what Benteke will offer his new club this season as Liverpool target more goals in 2015-16.
The boss told reporters at Melwood: “He’s the type of player that fits perfectly for us. I’ve seen him close-hand on the touchline since he has come into the Premier League.
“I’ve watched him as an opponent and when I’ve been scouting and looking at games. He’s got massive potential; there’s still a lot of room for improvement for him.
“He can play in any type of game, you see his qualities. He’s 6ft4 and of course when you’re that big and strong and you see how he takes in the ball, and he can play the power game and strength game.
“But I think what will surprise a lot of people is the quality of his football. His movement is really clever, he can penetrate the space in behind, he can link the game up. We have seen already, particularly close-hand, the type of movements and different types of goals that he scores.
“He’s going to be a huge player for us and, at 24, still has a lot of developments to make.”
In addition to Benteke, Rodgers has also bolstered Liverpool’s attacking ranks with Roberto Firmino and Danny Ings, while Divock Origi has arrived at Melwood following the completion of his season-long loan at Lille.
“[Goal scoring] was one thing that was lacking last season for us,” added the manager. “We were way down in the goals record.
“It’s a collective effort, we know we have to be better across the field in terms of goals, but if you bring in players that have the ability to create and score, that can help us for sure.”