Football
Jason Dasey 9y

Christian Benteke must score 20 Prem goals for Liverpool, says McMahon

Belgium international striker Christian Benteke will need to score a minimum of 20 Premier League goals for Liverpool this season to be considered a success, according to former Reds' captain Steve McMahon.

Benteke is due to have his medical at Anfield early this week ahead of a £32.5 million move from Aston Villa.

The 24-year-old netted 49 times in 100 games in all competitions during three years at Villa Park. McMahon says Benteke must better his first season haul of 19 league goals to justify his price tag.

"He has got to get 20 league goals, especially with Liverpool's main striker Daniel Sturridge out until September at least," the Kuala Lumpur-based McMahon told ESPN FC ahead of Liverpool's friendly against the Malaysia All Stars on Friday.

"It's not use getting lots of goals in other competitions and only eight or 10 in the league. He must be a consistent scorer in the Premier League."

McMahon, who won three English titles and two FA Cups during six seasons with the Merseyside club, added that Liverpool may need to adjust their style with Benteke in the side.

"I see him as a plan B kind of striker who doesn't really fit in to the tippy-tappy style of football," he said.

"He's a different kind of option, a bit like Emile Heskey but he scores more goals. And being good on the floor, he's a million times better than Andy Carroll who provided an aerial threat and not much else.

"It's a good signing. With him in the squad, Liverpool will have more chance of winning the big games against the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal."

When he was fit last season, Sturridge lacked an effective strike partner with both Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert struggling for goals. But McMahon believes that the England forward will enjoy his collaboration with the new arrival.

He said: "They are different kind of strikers and they will learn to play together well. Sturridge is clever and can make good runs in and around. Liverpool should have a lot more firepower."

Liverpool play A-League side Adelaide United on Monday night before flying to Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.

Their match on Friday will be held at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium where a side managed by Kenny Dalglish defeated the Malaysia XI 6-3 in 2011. McMahon, who works as technical advisor for Malaysian junior academy Frenz United, plans to be at the game. 

The game is organised by Pro Events and will kickoff at 8.45pm.

^ Back to Top ^