New Signings – Fantasy Premier League 2015/16. Benteke
Liverpool strikers managed a total of just eight goals between them last season, so the Merseysiders were always going to dip into the transfer market for a new striker this summer and it hardly came as a surprise that that striker turned out to be Christian Benteke. Liverpool’s transfer policy over the past 25 years has been questionable at best and one look at the signings made by Brendan Rodgers since his arrival at the helm would leave anyone scratching their head. It wouldn’t have come as a surprise had Liverpool’s owners dispatched with the services of Rodgers over the summer, and one thing is for sure, if Benteke isn’t a success over the coming season Rodgers will be sent packing next May!
Christian Benteke (Liverpool 8.5)
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The Belgian arrived in Birmingham as an unknown quantity back in August 2012 but soon made a name for himself finishing the 2012-13 season with 19 leagues goals from 34 appearances. He missed large chunks of the following two seasons through injury, but he arrives at Anfield having scored a total of 42 league goals from just 88 appearances over the three seasons. Clearly he knows where the net is but that’s not the issue, the issue is whether or not he fits into Liverpool’s style of play. Some will say that he doesn’t as he scores goals!
Villa undoubtedly played to Benteke’s strengths i.e. they got plenty of crosses into the box. As Tim Sherwood said prior to the FA Cup final, “We cross more balls into the box than any other club in the league and Christian has said he feeds of those crosses…there’s no point going to a club where they don’t cross the ball”. The stats certainly back up Sherwood, last season Benteke won more headers than any other forward in the league while the previous season he won the second most. To put this into context, Liverpool have ranked the lowest and second lowest for crosses over the last two seasons. After reading this most of you have probably decided that Benteke in no longer an FPL option, but before you make such a decision I should point out that of his 42 league goals only 13 of these have been scored with his head.
The arrival of Benteke at Anfield will undoubtedly bring comparisons with one Andy Carroll and while both are devastating in the air and have the ability to bully defences, there are differences between the two. Carroll failed because he lacked pace & movement, Benteke should have no such problems. Granted his recent injuries have probably robbed him of some pace, but compared to Carroll he is Usain Bolt. Despite this, however you look at it. something has to give, either Benteke’s style or that of the team and with the likes of Philippe Coutinho and new signing Firmino in the team I would suggest that Benteke will be asked to somewhat alter his style of play. If this is the case I would be very surprised if the Belgian can break the 20 goal barrier this season, rather he will be asked to bring others into play and thus the goals could be spread around the team. This of course will be good for Liverpool but perhaps not so good for those FPL managers with big hopes for the Belgian.
Liverpool have a mixed bag of fixtures throughout August, September & October. Home games against Bournemouth, West Ham, Norwich & Villa are counterbalanced by away games to the likes of Arsenal, United, Everton, Spurs & Chelsea. So if you’re waiting for Liverpool to have a decent run of fixtures before bringing Benteke in you’ll be waiting a while. My advice is that if you fancy Benteke jump on early to take advantage of those home games and hope that both he & Liverpool pick up a few results in those tough away games.
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I think I’m gonna settle with this team for now, maybe Davis or hoolahan for aarons, but other than that I’m happy with it.
Tell me what’s good and bad about it guys!!!
Defence is a nightmare and 4th mid is a huge risk, with only Wanyama as backup. I would strongly suggest making a downgrade or two and getting a solid defence.
Tend to agree with NIN, though it does look like one of my earlier drafts. You have a mental front three. Any thoughts on bringing Kun in? I’ve downgraded Sterling to afford more balance.
Hope everyone’s tinkering is going well. It’s great to be back and on the eve of another year of addiction. Does anyone have any thoughts on my latest draft? Thanks.
Hi Swiss. Not a lot wrong here but there are a few changes that i would make myself. First is Taylor, i assume he’s in there just to fee up £0.5m for elsewhere but, with WBA having some tough games to start i would be tempted to downgrade Lescott to a £4.5m and upgrade Taylor to a £4.5m so you have three defenders to choose from each week to backup the two expensive players. Double Leicester defence too, not sure it’s necessary especially now with Tinkerbell in charge. The rest looks good to me, money banked for Sergio too. Nice.
Cheers NIN. All good points. Who would you recommend in the 4.5 bracket? I’ve only got Clyne because of his 43% selection. He could be downgraded too. Lescott was a late addition and I’m not bound to him by any means.
Before i make any suggestions, i would recommend using CC’s interactive fixture tracker to see which pairings you like the look of. I’ve got a triple rotation going on with the promoted teams. Martin-Mings-Holebas. One will play each week, always at home. It’s not great by any stretch but it’s cheap and is good for 9 or 10 GW’s or so. I didn’t realize Clyne’s ownership was so high! I don’t know whether that’s a good or a bad thing
NIN, that rotation idea is a thing of genius. I’ll look into it. Thanks.
Rickie Lambert is now a West Brom player.
Okay that’s it. My 4 year old daughter thinks I’m working when I have my fantasy team on the screen. “Awe, Daddy’s working again!” :s
Gonna for for the 3-5-2. Roo to Kun when the time comes.Should I play Huth or Francis?
Probably Francis Shriz.
Thanks CC!
And aren’t you??!!
LOL!
Ok guys, so Benteke didn’t go for the final match of Pool’s pre-season and I’m feeling might not be a starter in a week due to match fitness. Also noticed that Costa will be risked against Arsenal. Any comment / ideas?
Currently have Benteke but am finally looking at other options too. Shame as he is a potential bargain!
Keep an eye on the Community Shiel match re. Costa and see what happens. If both are out then for the time being Rooney and Pelle/Kane may be the way to go.
Yea I’m thinking that 8.5 could be a great price. He might not score 20 this season but I’m feeling he’ll go up a fair amount and I want him for the home games as new “big” teams for a while. Spurs’ fixtures look quite nice through GW10, but away at ManU GW1 will be tough for Kane.