Friday 7 August 2015 12:49, UK
Christian Benteke is a fine fit for Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool and can help them challenge for a top-four spot this season, according to Thierry Henry.
The Belgium international made the £32.5m move from Aston Villa to Anfield this summer, becoming the club's second highest transfer signing of all time and has already shown his prowess in front of goal by scoring a stunning volley in the pre-season win over Swindon last weekend.
And Sky Sports pundit Henry feels the striker can help Liverpool in their quest for a Champions League berth by adding an extra dimension to their forward line.
"I just want to see him do well," said the Arsenal legend.
"No disrespect to Aston Villa, but now he is in a better squad and a better team. If he is playing well and he is on top of his game, then he can help Liverpool to challenge for a top-four place.
"I like the way he moves. I like the way he is in the box and I like his awareness. He is good at holding the ball and he can finish with one touch.
"Sometimes he could work a tiny bit more on his finishing, but overall he is a good striker and hopefully he is going to have a good season."
Henry added: "Some teams started to figure out how Rodgers wanted to play, but now you have another option.
"I actually think that Benteke will have a good season and he will help Liverpool a lot. I don't see it being a problem."
Former Liverpool star Jamie Redknapp feels the 24-year-old can add strength and power to the side and doesn't see a downside to his signing.
"You've got someone you can be direct with," said Redknapp.
"He's going to be great in the opposition box. Liverpool conceded so many goals from free-kicks and corners (so) to have him in your own box heading the ball away, it's going to be so important. He's fantastic in the air.
"I don't see a downside to signing him. You can be direct, you can hit it long. He can have the ball into feet. Anybody who saw the goal against Swindon in pre-season - he's a good player."
I don't see a downside to signing him. You can be direct, you can hit it long. He can have the ball into feet. Anybody who saw the goal against Swindon in pre-season - he's a good player.
Fellow Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness agrees Benteke can be a huge star at Anfield this season.
"I see him being a real handful although I think he will get frustrated at times when Liverpool overcook it on the halfway line," said Souness. "If he's making runs like any centre forward, he'll get frustrated when it doesn't come in early.
"A big part of what Liverpool do this season will depend solely on his shoulders."
Tune in to Sky Sports 1 at 10pm on Friday evening to see Thierry Henry, Jamie Redknapp and Graeme Souness look ahead to the new season in a special preview show or head to the Sky Sports Facebook page to watch it now.
