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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Any one looking @ Tabanou ?
Who?
It was a song by Black Lace.
Left back / winger that they signed from St Etienne about a month ago. No idea if he’ll get a starting spot. If only we had some team news from pre-season games….
Sorry, genuine question – who does that character play for?
:say-what:
Come on lads very useful player scores goals down as Left back should start Swansea lad.
Silverback. I think the answer to your original question is, “No.”
Silvers
He’s still up against Neil Taylor who is a very useful left back himself. The midfield in front of him is also very busy.
Would be a punt to start with.
Guys suggestions on my team and rmt
nk, you’ll have to keep an eye on the Costa situation. Will you downgrade Rooney to get Aguero?
Koeman announces he could start with J Rod for the Europe League game tonight
Now that’s interesting…..
@Silver, all the noise from the Saints seems to be that of a team that will take the Europa very seriously. So we should see a good side put out tonight by Koeman.
Mito it will be interesting to see Saints line up tonight if J Rod starts I will go with him over Ben he might not see the game though & it will depend if he starts wide right & not along side Pelle
Soton will destroy Vitesse. Chelsea satellite club. We can’t stand them.
RMT, like this team but DF is a bit weak…
Ruddy – Rudd
Azpilecueta – Francis – O’Shea – Huth – Prodl
Hazard – Ozil – Milner – Chadli – Surman
Aguero – Rooney – Wilson.
With all the talk about how to upgrade to aguero is anyone looking at the same thing for Sanchez? Could be back playing by gameweek 2
Not for me Sledge, Sanchez’s points will be diluted by Giroud, Theo, Ramsey, Cazorla, Ozil. Kun has no such prob at City.
What arsenal midfielder you picking cookie? I’ve Walcott currently. Sunday will settle my team
Sledge, I too currently have Walcott, but am struggling to balance my team. And the books! May have to downgrade him to one of the 8.5mln options.
Giroud injury one day before the first game would be a good signal to go with Wally. 😉
Hi all, what are your thoughts on this side?
I have some money leftover in the bank for a Rooney to Aguero move. If Rooney hits the ground running I guess I’ll have to re-assess 😛
Will Wasi even be a starter? Ward has terrible fixtures. For the extre million I’d def. pick Sterling over Silva. Wanyama as a starter? Dude? Zomg, I’m a stop, too much wrong with this team. I don’t know where to start. :p
So any actual advise other than the Sterling one?
Geeeeez, calm down. I’m helping 10 of yall right now. Bunch of prima donna’s. Be happy I give advise at all. Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh or I’m a butch your ass.
Silva to Sterling gives you 1m extra to spend, get Cerdic from Soton. Get rid of Wasi and Wanya in the first team, they can be bench players only. Crystal Palace ward has freaking hard fixtures so find an alternative. Need me to do your undies next?