Rodgers: Benteke a 'long-term asset'

Posted Sunday, August 02, 2015 by Foxsports.com

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is confident that new signing Christian Benteke will turn out to be a bargain, despite his hefty £32.5m price tag.

Benteke has been a star performer for Aston Villa since joining them in the summer of 2012 from Genk.

The Belgium International scored 23 goals in his first season at Villa Park, and bounced back from an injury-plagued next season to add 15 more in 2014/15.

He also famously scored in Villa's 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley in April.

"For me, I think he'll prove to be a bargain for the club. I really do," said Rodgers.

"I've read and seen 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 up close now for three years, stood at the side of the field and watching this guy - not just his power and strength but also his footballing 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. Of course, his strength allows you to keep the ball, but he'll really help the unpredictability of our game this season.

"We know he can play football, we know he can play counter-attack, but we also know when we cross the ball, we've got a real presence in the box that is going to allow us to keep the ball in the box for periods of time and for others to get goals from.

"Obviously he doesn't set the price and I'm thankful the club have brought him in because I really think at 24 years of age, he's going to be a huge asset for us.

"He's surprised people in the early stages of life at Liverpool with that mobility and the quickness of his feet - and his natural power and strength is there to see."