I'm 50:50. I like him, think he's a top talent and scores goals in the prem while is still young (23/24?). Yes he's different which is probably why a lot are sceptical but who's to say he couldn't adapt his game and offer more than just a target in the box. I think he does offer more atm but villa played to his main strength which is fair enough. Nothing wrong with having a different type of striker who is more than just a plan b. He will bring others into the game and 1 thing he will do is stay central and not drop too deep and get in the way of Coutinho and Firmino. That's one of the problems with our other strikers, they come too deep and end up clogging up the space. Id be happy with others like aubamayang, but I'd welcome benteke of the fee is anywhere around 20-25m. 32 is too much and should walk away if that's the cost.
My reasons against Benteke: - Awful touch - Very limited - hoof the ball to him - His record isn't that great. He had one very good season which has skewed his numbers and he's been poor since - We don't have the players to play his way - People hate Balotelli for his 'laziness'. Benteke is worse - Rodgers couldn't get the best out of Lambert or Mario. How will he do that for Benteke? - Put Benteke is a ball playing team with quality players around him, like Belgium and he's found out - his International manager even described him as a pole. - It's no coincidence that Origi has more than half of Benteke's international caps despite being 4 years younger. - Take away his penalties and headers, his goal scoring record is terrible - He didn't dominate our defence - he dominated Martin Skrtel, because he's a poor defender. Benteke has come up against Agger and Sakho before and had no joy which is why he always targets Skrtel. And Matt Smith dominated our defence before - doesn't make him a good player - Our two most creative players in Firmino and Coutinho play centrally and like to play throughballs. Does not suit Benteke.
Basically, what Mario did except Mario didn't have players to link with or runners going past him? I think this is the point I'm making - a lot of fans have crucified Mario but are justifying spending £25m on a player who will do the same if not used correctly?
I'd agree totally. I just want to again point to rodgers talking about signing sturridge. Mobile, pace, power Benteke had the power and pace... not sure about mobility. ...... Let's say this though. Everton paid 29 Mil for Lukaku. The guy missed a shed load but is good in the air. Benteke will cost around the same. Who knows exactly which price. He is on his day unplayable but is imo lazy too. They are very similar players really.
No, balotelli would stand still then come 40 yards away from goal, get the ball and shoot high and wide
Poor Mario has tried to hard to stop being himself for us. He stopped that shooting he's putting his head down and not talking bad. No smile on his face ever. We've turned him into this player. . Not saying he's not muck but there you go. Benteke has zero baggage and can swan in and do what he lines for us so is bound to do better
Hello folks...how's it all going? After seeing lots of chat about what type of striker Benteke is I thought I'd go look up what type of goals he actually scored...
Ahh great. Nice to see you back, we need a bit of sanity I pm'd you in March ........... you didn't reply please log in to view this image