Pro: He’s used to playing with Origi
Belgium have been one of the best sides to watch on the international stage in recent years. At the World Cup, while Benteke was injured, it was Divock Origi that stole the spotlight. Both players have proved by playing for their country that they’re more than capable of producing on the bigger stage. What better way to get the best out of both players than to allow them to play up front together? Simon Mignolet certainly agrees with that.
Pro: He’s proven in the Premier League
There are very few readily available players of Premier League quality that could come straight into our side this summer. It’s difficult to deny the fact that Benteke is one of those. He’s scored 49 goals in just 100 games for Aston Villa – and if you consider their final league positions over the last couple of years, as well as their distinctive lack of goals, then that tally looks all the more impressive. He scored 23 in 2012-13, and that could be repeated.
Pro: He’s still young and could improve
People lose sight of the fact that this guy is only 24 – he should just be coming into the peak years of his career. Liverpool’s best business in previous years has been done by getting players just as they’re finding their top form – think Fernando Torres or Luis Suarez – where their reputations any different before they came to Anfield? Yes, Benteke is a different type of player and we feel we know him better because he’s spent three years in the Premier League, but there’s no reason why he can’t follow the same path.
