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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2nd draft, what do people think?
P.S are the Banterbury leagues still running this year?
Thanks
Looks good shadow….ive got silva and ritchie instead of your sterling and milner….i like milner over ritchie but silva over sterling haha
Not much needed here Shadow good team I would maybe have Mings or Francis over Distin very strong other wise
Thanks for the replies, I don’t even know who Mings and Francis are or who they play for! Best do some more research. Gone for Bournemouth & West Ham defence due to reading previous article where it looks like they rotate well!
Shadow more attacking players Bournemouth
Shadow I’d switch Tomkins to Jenkinson. With the transfer of Ogbonna JT ain’t guaranteed a start. Looking good otherwise.
Afternoon, hope everyone is doing well!
Came across this picture today of Arsenals first and second 11 (just think Walcott should take Giroud’s place), think this is the best squad we’ve had in the last 10 years. Wenger is going to have a massive headache for midfield, even without signing a DM. Doubt any of Wilshere, Ramsey or Walcott will settle for a regular spot on the bench. Another striker would surely be the end of Welbeck’s arsenal career.
Thoughts on where Arsenal will finish this season? Gooneres, Neutrals, etc.?
On paper it does look very strong. But you can put Arteta, Wilshere, Gibba & Chamberlain on the treatment table already.
I think if you managed to go a season relatively injury free like Chelsea you’d be pushing for the title.
Can see you finishing 3rd again unless a top class striker is signed before end of window.
Pool fan, but arsenal should be challenging this season. Great squad, with quality on the bench however they play.
Anyone looking at Wisdom now that his signed with Norwich?
Think his a starter?
Yeah I think he will be in the starting XI.
Cheers
Is it official? If so Ill be going that way.
YNWA
Saw it earlier that its done
Guys if all players were fit which option would you prefer (as only attacking cover for either team)
Hazard + Wilson
Or
Ritchie + Costa
Cheers.
Hazard+wilson for me
+1
+1
Yeah, Wilson and Hazard for sure.
Haz- Wilson
Hello guys, what do you think about my team? Is there something i should improve? Please help me
Get rid of Morgan and Yoshida. Morgan won’t play just yet he’s only just finished his season with Jamaica. Yoshida could have trouble getting into the team now that Caulker has come in.
Hey Albinz,
Apparently Morgan is not nailed on, same with Yoshida. Follow Costa’s injury closely. Bench looks weak. Nice midfield and front three though. Can you find 0.5 to upgrade Yoshida to Cedric? Or maybe Wanyama to Ki to rotate with Wilson?
Having a headache over choosing rotating GK or one fancy one. I’m starting to lean more towards Cech + 4.0. Anyone else having the same dilemma?
Pretty sure this will be my team for next week.
Deffo. I’ve gone Ruddy – Guzan