Christian Benteke's lack of movement 'a major flaw' for Liverpool

Christian Benteke must correct a "major flaw" in his game to be a success at Liverpool, according to Tony Cascarino.

Benteke has been used mostly as a substitute since the turn of the year, and the former Aston Villa striker missed several chances to score during Wednesday's FA Cup win over Exeter.

Jurgen Klopp defended Benteke after the game but Cascarino has warned the Belgium international to adapt his movement to the modern game or risk failing at the top level with the Reds.

"There's one major flaw, I believe," Cascarino told Sky Sports News HQ. "He's got this awful habit of standing alongside centre-halves which you cannot do. You have to move, create space for yourself to try and get opportunities.

"He's got so many good attributes - he's a physically quick, technically gifted player, but unless he starts moving...

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"I watch some of the best players in the world - players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi - and they move their backsides, they do it really quickly and they lose you in an instant.

"Gone are the days of a Tony Cascarino, a John Hartson or a Mark Hateley - we didn't have to move as much in a football game, in the modern game they do."

Cascarino's assessment was endorsed by fellow studio guest Steve Howey, but the former Newcastle defender believes Liverpool's style is discouraging Benteke's movement.

"I do feel as though he has to work on his movement," Howey said. "But I do feel as though there have been a lot of times this season when Liverpool have got the ball wide and instead of whipping it in they're playing it back and across. You can imagine him getting frustrated.

"When Alan shearer played with David Ginola at Newcastle, Dave [Ginola] used to sometimes get past his man and whip it in, and Al [Shearer] used to make that run.

"But sometimes Dave used to check back, and the amount of times there were arguments in the dressing room...it has to work both ways."