Football
ESPN staff 9y

Christian Benteke to be a 'bargain' for Liverpool - Brendan Rodgers

Christian Benteke will prove to be a bargain for Liverpool, according to manager Brendan Rodgers.

Liverpool secured the £32.5 million signing of Benteke, 24, this summer from Premier League counterparts Aston Villa.

The Belgium international scored 42 goals in 89 top-flight matches for Villa and Rodgers is confident he will be a success at Anfield.

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

"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 halfway 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."

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