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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Hey guys! Here’s my latest draft for my team, would appreciate a quick RMT!
Thanks
Team looks good mate only thing that is bad is Simpson but can’t have everyone in so just hope he plays.
Seen Villa have signed Rudy Gestede could be one to keep an eye on as a 3rd striker especially if they sign Adebayor aswell.
They still haven’t signed a replacement for Baker which makes me think he’s going to be a starter this season? Or am I way off?
Yeah I think there is a chance as things stand at the moment
Honestly don’t know he could start but he might only be rotated in.
I have Santi but then realised that Ozil id the same price and plays more forward but then also Ozil aint exactly consistent, so Im kinda confused
Seems Arsenal made an offer for Benzema, no way it will be turned down. Means the end of Giroud? Also Wally hopes gone?
Haven’t seen that but if it is acceptable Giroud is gone and Walcott is a worry but maybe not as gone as Giroud.
I would def go with Ozil or Caz instead though, if that happens. Now Wally is still in my drafts.
Yup I’m going with mane and pelle. I can’t resist it. I don’t know which arsenal mid to go with. But for now its cazorla and I could change to Walcott. Let me know what’s wrong with my team. Is de gea, alone, good enough coverage for utd?
Anyone?
Tique – Is there any need for Payet? Having that much tied up in him is going to make getting Aguero pretty tough i reckon.
If Arsenal sign Benzema, Im definitely ditching Benteke…Im assuming hed be around the £9m to £10m mark
Fear he’ll be 10.5m and dude has to settle in first. Risky buy.
Hes not that god ^^
I know. There is a reason why he’s not in Madrids plans. I was thinking the same about Ramos, imo United dodged a bullet by not getting. That would be, if they attracted another defender, which they didn’t. In build up Ramos is great, defending not so much.
Not that good but better than Benteke imo
Eh? Benzema is class. He’d be amazing for a team like Arsenal with his work-rate and goal/assist ability.
No chance in Benzema leaving
Agreed. I’d be all over that one if it went through, but i doubt he leaves them.