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. What are the thoughts regarding Costa now he limped off? Stating the season? Worth the 11? Now Kun, Sanchez and Costa out. errrrr was trying to prepare for their returns but now just too many.
Ideas?
If he is indeed out then Rooney seems like a straightforward enough replacement to begin with.
What should be my starting XI for 1st GW ?
Exactly that.
agreed
RMT Please
Hi there Punk,
Falcao immediately pops up as a concern – not convinced on him yet, plus he may not even play if Costa is fit or Mourinho prefers the tried and trusted Remy.
Midfield looks fine – personally I’d prefer Milner to Henderson.
Not sure I’d spend 5.5mln on Clyne when cash is so tight elsewhere, but in fairness the scousers home games are pretty good, so it could work out.
Will Gamboa and Simpson play?
Hi Cookie: Am I following you on Twitter? If not, I will. Both Aguero’s match fitness and Costa’s latest hamtstring has thrown the whole team in disarray. Milner vs. Henderson – I am thinking Henderson will take over some penalty taking duties. That’s the only edge i am giving him. Clyne is just to keep up with the Joneses since over 40% of FPL owns him. Gamboa and Simpson – i had run out of 4.0 defender ideas.
Not sure if you are or not Punk – my handle is @SteveCook9
I wouldn’t be concerned that Clyne is owned by over 40% of FPL managers – in fact I would be delighted by that number and that I don’t own him. I’d take Darmian, Shaw, Mert over him at that price and consider even downgrading to a 5mln defender to bolster up your non-playing 4mln def’s.
@SteveCook9 yea i’m following you
am I following you Punk? If not, I apologise – please let me have your handle so I can rectify that!
@Cookie I’m @js9jj13
Morning all – thanks Kop for a craxcking and insightful article centred around your new hero. The question is, will he turn out to Rush, Owen, Fowler-like or Carroll, Heskey, Balotelli-like.
I actually think he’ll do ok but I agree he may need a bit of time to suit the formation…..or the new formation to suit him. Proven scorer though, assuming he can stay fit and happy.
Top stuff mate.
I think he’ll start the season with a bang. A brace in the first game to secure 3 points away from home. 😉 :beer: cheers
Thinking of going with this line-up for GW1… What do you think?
Also, would you go for Henderson or Young?
At first glance – your team’s lack of any Manchester City cover is quite unnerving. Other than that, I am thinking you have too much money sitting on your bench. Lukaku is also recently injured in pre-season so that may be a consideration for you. Other than that, the team looks solid at the back and in the mid. Cheers
Ian,
I wouldn’t pick either – I’d pick Milner. Also I wouldn’t pick Scheniderlin. Try and make sure your midfielders are attacking ones.
United defense is still terrible, last night game showed that. Shit man, they’re considering playing Blind. Jones was pathetic and Smalling made a few terrible mistakes.
Right I’ve settled on my team
Ruddy/Butland (Rotation)
Cedric/Francis/Martin/Huth/O’Shea (all rotate, playing 3 defenders)
Stirling/Walcott/Hazard/Milner (Wanyama)
Rooney/Kane/Defoe
Leaves me with 1.5 in the bank