Strikers
Christian Benteke
Benteke’s debut season will be judged on goals, and goals alone. We regard 15 in the Premier League as par, but ideally – we want more. The Belgian netted 13 for Aston Villa last time out, but with much, much better service we’d expect him to better that. With Daniel Sturridge injured until October, he’ll definitely begin the term as first-choice – and we need to see the physical and goalscoring attributes that convinced us to break the bank for his services. Tellingly, Benteke needs to press and constantly demand the ball – as there’s nothing which frustrates Reds fans more than a ‘lazy’ forward.
Daniel Sturridge
To stay fit and get people talking about his football rather than his muscle problems. Sturridge’s career will continue to stagnate unless he can put last season totally behind him. The forward is in a tricky situation right now, as he knows Benteke (a £32.5m signing) will be starting the season while he sits and watches from the sidelines. Sturridge is due back in October (via Independent), and it’ll be his job to get fit, get confidence in his legs, find his scoring boots – and force Rodgers to adapt a system that includes him in a central striking position – as he had to in 2013/14 when the forward bagged 24 goals alongside Suarez.
Danny Ings
Ings notched 11 goals with Burnley last season, and if he matches that from an expected substitute role, we’ll be over the moon. Ings’ primary target should be to cement himself ahead of Divock Origi in the subs’ pecking order, only behind Christian Benteke until Daniel Sturridge is fit. If he can do that, he’ll get chances.
Divock Origi
Improve. Show keenness and a hunger to get better, and learn from those around him. At 20-years-old, Origi has years ahead of him to eventually earn a starting spot – so as long he provides pace, intensity and work-rate from the bench, fans will be happy.
