Kop hero: Big money signing has given Liverpool a new threat

The addition of Christian Benteke has given Liverpool’s attack a new dimension, according to Kop hero John Barnes.

The Reds made the Belgian their most expensive signing of a busy summer when they agreed to trigger the £32.5m release clause in his Aston Villa contract last month, and he’s made a positive start to life at Anfield.

A debut goal in friendly action against Swindon Town was followed with a solid all-round performance in the club’s campaign opening 1-0 win at Stoke, and his most recent outing against Bournemouth yielded the vital strike in another victory.

Although there was some scepticism regarding the 24-year-old’s suitability to Brendan Rodgers’ system, former Liverpool attacker, and TitanBet Brand Ambassador, Barnes believes that Benteke gives his side a new threat:

“The team’s not played particularly well, but I think he [Benteke] has.” The ex-England international said.

“He’s held the ball up well, he’s looked sharp, he’s looked dangerous and he’s progressing.

“I think that we were a bit lightweight last year, and when the team starts performing better I think he’ll start performing better.

“However, even though we haven’t necessarily played well in the first two games I think he’s been a bonus, because at times when we had to just hit the ball up to him he’s got hold of it and he’s knocked centre-halves around and at times that’s what you have to do.

“Liverpool will improve and he will improve, but he’s been one of our better players.”

Benteke is in line to start for Liverpool on Monday night as the Merseysiders travel to Arsenal.