10 May 2013

Staying or going? - 'World class' £25m LFC target responds to transfer rumours

In April, Liverpool legend Jan Molby urged his old club to buy Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke this summer, and I'm sure many Reds fans would love to see that deal happen. Brendan Rodgers is also a big fan of the powerful striker, but in an interview on Wednesday, Benteke appeared to rule out a transfer this summer.

When asked about rumours linking him with a move away from Villa Park, Benteke - who was named the players' young player of the season at Villa's annual awards dinner on Tuesday - told the Birmingham Mail:

"I am very happy to play at Aston Villa. When I came the fans gave me a lot of respect and I try to give it to them back on the pitch."

"We have a young squad and he [Paul Lambert] is always behind us. For a young team like us it is very important to have a trainer that is behind us."


Standard stuff from Benteke - what else is he going to say?

A few weeks ago, the Daily Mail claimed that Liverpool are 'weighing up a move' for the £15m-rated Belgian:

"Manchester City, Tottenham, Liverpool and Arsenal have all had their interests piqued by the Belgian’s impressive start to his Premier League career"

Speaking to The Telegraph recently, Benteke's Agent, Eris Kismet, hinted that the the striker would consider a move at the end of the season. He said:

"At the end of the season, interested clubs will talk to Villa, but it has to be right the buying club and Christian. If all three parties are agreeable, something could happen"

Benteke's recent hat-trick against Sunderland takes his creative tally for the season to 22 goals/8 assists in 36 starts, which is a fantastic return, especially in a team struggling to avoid relegation. The striker's figures also compare favourably to the Premier League's other top scorers:

* Benteke: Goal every 1.6 games | Goal/Assist every 1.2 games.
* Suarez: Goal every 1.4 games | Goal/Assist every 1.2 games
* Bale: Goal every 1.7 games | Goal/Assist every 1.2 games
* RVP: Goal every 1.5 games | Goal/Assist every 1.1 games

After the Sunderland game, Lambert hailed Benteke as 'world class', and emphasised how his humility, a rare quality these days amongst elite footballers.

Benteke's goals are one of the main reasons Villa are not in the relegation zone right now, and bids will inevitably come in for him this summer. Reds legend Mark Lawrenson insists a new striker is a priority for the Reds this summer, and hopefully, one of the offers will come from Liverpool. He told the Liverpool Echo:

"Even if Luis Suarez stays, Liverpool will need someone to replace the Uruguayan for those first six games of next season and then provide much-needed back-up"

In a recent interview with the BBC, Lambert slapped a massive transfer valuation on Benteke:

"If you wanted to prise Christian away from here then £25m (€30m) is probably a good start. We can't stop people looking at him but he is under contract here. He is enjoying his football at the moment and doing fantastically well."

Benteke may be worth that amount, but I doubt any club will actually pay £25m. Former Villa and Liverpool striker Stan Collymore is, however, convinced Benteke is worth it, and he's tipped the striker to go on to great things. He told the Daily Express:

“Benteke can become a great European central striker, he’s a potential European superstar. Over the next four of five years Villa need to build a team around him.”



NOTE: Please stick to the Comment Policy (Click to read)


48 comments:

  1. We could do with someone like him, but I think (no they are basically staying up) that Villa would want a big sum of money for him, and I'm not sure if Rodgers will be permitted that?
    He looks like a great player though.

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  2. Would be interesting to see Mourinho at Chelsea using Benteke like Drogba, as he has that physical but also technically decent vibe about his game, quite a bit like Drogba. But I guess they have Lukaku who has come along well on loan

    As for us, not sure he is Rodgers' type of player for our system but then again, he signed someone like Danny Graham at Swansea.

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  3. if we want him we should offer 20 million now because the longer we leave it ,the less chance we have of signing him

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  4. downing LMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANKS :) LOL

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  5. Sod off Liverpool. You talk as if you only have to snap your fingers and players will want to play for you, well get real! You tried your cheating, lying and illegal approaches to get Gareth Barry but he saw sense and went to Man City. Why would Benteke want to come to you scumbags?

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  6. Mmmmmm see criticism and the truth are not allowed on here!

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  7. If he can back up this seasons form next season i would be happy to fork out 20 mill plus for him but please no more 1 season wonders.

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  8. and if he backs it up someone else will want him and pay more

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  9. must admit the moderator as been a bit trigger happy with the old delete button today lol;-)

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  10. Lol, recently read a debate from Liverpool fans saying they wouldnt pay more than £15 mill for him....not that it matters anyway

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  11. Nonsense. If you want to act like a kid then your comments will be deleted. If you want civil debate, then go ahead. If you can't do that, go elsewhere.

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  12. That is a very impressive goal return (your little table) for a team struggling with relegation.

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  13. You are probably right Jason in that case our over paid scouts need to go out and find another just like him but lots cheaper.

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  14. If he has any brain, and he hasn't shown much proof of that during his career so far, he will stay at Villa. He's very young and he's a regular there. They are, regardless of their position in the table since MON left, a club with potential. If he stays another year or two and he repeats what he's done this year he will help Villa but also himself. He's much more likely to get into the starting 11 of a bigger club if he should do that than he would be if he left this summer.

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  15. Why do you think he's without brain?
    He doesn't speak English very well and is naturally quite shy. The other day on here, in the comments section of an almost identical post, you lot were mainly complaining that £15m was too much. At least now you're getting the message that he's at least a £25m striker.

    Eric, you are right, of course. He stays at Villa, he plays. Simple at this stage of his career that is essential. Go to Liverpool and he's guaranteed footy for the first six games then he competes with the toothy one (is he offside much?)

    He wants to stay in the Belgium national side and competing with Lukaku he needs games. This is a big motivation for him, right now.

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  16. Will he fade after first season? Well he's certainly caught the attention, 4th best scorer in the PL behind RVP, Toothy Saurez, & Jug Ears. Not bad, especially when you realise he missed the first few games playing in Belgium, where he scored three. He also scored 4 cup goals and two for the national side, that's 27 total this season!

    But will he fade? The thing with Benteke is he's a pretty well rounded player. He get's rebounds for tap ins, scores from outside the box, a giant in the air, uses both feet, fairly quick, has a trick, good movement, good passsing vision, looks up and sets up team mates. Of course, it doesn't always work and he does have average games. But another thing is when he does its cos the opposition put two on him, which, of course provides space for other players.

    With all these attributes he's well equiped to avoid being a one season wonder

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  17. our scouts are on holiday i think they have been for the last ten years lol

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  18. Quality along side Erikesn,Wanyama and a good solid centre back....#
    I'm sure we would challange with these players..???

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  19. Irven Ávila ...spoting cristal.... Peruvian league...14.5 goals per season...22years.

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  20. Lol Haha.......your a funny guy, a true buffoon

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  21. I understand the envious glances from Merseyside toward young Benteke. But he was available last year for a paltry £7million - only Lambert was prepared to pay it. Just as only Lambert had the balls to drop record signing and prolific striker Darren Bent.


    Benteke is enjoying his football and his team mates - and wants to play for Belgium. He is aware that playing regularly will aid this.


    Above all Benteke feels at home and is impressed with all the other young players at Villa Park. Villa have after all, just won the youth version of the European Cup, and their academy is second to none.


    It would not surprise me to see Lerner give Lambert even more backing this summer. The old 'super stars' will be moved on and younger hungrier faces will join his revolution.


    Given Brendan's love of midfield creativity - I think you might have more chance with a bid for Darren Bent - who while not a total footballer like Benteke - has a goal scoring record that equals the very best.


    Your midfield might control a game but you lack goals. An out and out finisher like Bent might prove a better fit - and even a more affordable one - given your owners dislike of spending.

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  22. Mr. Point Of View1:43 pm, May 10, 2013

    i would welcome any additional but Agbonlahor sound more reality to our financial

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  23. I reckon we need to find our own Benkeke, it's a shame that we overlook players with undoubted ability and go for expensive alternatives that generally flop. We passed up on or overlooked players like Benteke, Michu, Diame and that enigma known as 'Snoogy Doogy'. Benteke, Michu and Diame in total cost less than the pony tailed destroyer. These new scouts we have who came from Man City need to start earning their way so that our titchy kitty can be properly utilized.

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  24. 67 goals only 2 teams have scored more, hardly lacking in that area.42 let in has been the main problem this season.
    DARREN BENT no thanks!

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  25. I really want us to be weary here of Benteke. Yes he's been fantastic this season (especially at the back end of it), and yes he has great attributes but all I keep seeing is Andy Carroll.

    I was floored by Andy's performances against us before we signed him. He was a lone striker and had skrtel and agger in his back pocket that day with an assist and a goal if i remember correctly. One of the best all-round performances I've seen a striker have against us. I will admit that I was very excited when he came to us but obviously that didn't work out. In the end, he was/is built for a different system, not ours.

    Villa doesn't play like us and are more direct. I worry that Benteke will be another Carroll where the potential is clear but the system doesn't fit. I he wants him, I hope BR doesnt rush into this like we did with Carroll and really figure out what his role will be for us pre and post suarez's ban

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  26. You make a great point but BENTEKE is every bit as dominant as ANDY CARROLL but with better technical qualities.That means we wouldn't need to change the style of play drastically to accommodate him.ANDY is at the right club in WEST HAM and is managed by the boss of his dreams.
    BENTEKE I feel is a better player that doesn't require long balls whacked to him to be effective.We can use him as the focal point of attacks by playing into his feet with SUAREZ and COUTINHO playing off him.You throw ERIKSEN into the mix and things are looking great attacking wise.

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  27. Well I've been saying this ever since I saw young Drogba at Marseille single handedly tear us apart in a UEFA cup game! Ever since Carragher soils himself everytime we've played against big Drogba.
    For the past 10yrs it seems we've ignored black players. now some will say how abt Diouf & Diao they were duds, i agree but it still doesnt legislate our scouting. I think of Carrol, Adam, Leto, Paletta, Konchesky, Dossena, Kronkamp, Vorinin etc these have not stopped us from scouting in Europe (inc UK) & South America.
    Think of all the forwards that historically have given our defenders the run around: Henry, Anelka, Drogba, Lakaku, Benteke, (lesser extent Adebayor) the common denominator-big & black, physical presence, pace & technique. This may not be pc but LFC is missing a big black skill brute who will not only bully but use technique to get the better of defences. Hence the following players are so vital if we want to push on-in midfield Wanyama or Diame, upfront Remy/Bony/Benteke/Martinez. Now are these players the answer to ALL OUR problems, no, but if you want to see marked improvement this is the way forward!

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  28. Daniel Sturridge

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  29. lol ....WOW all I can say is wow...You actually went there. Hope you're prepared for what follows...

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  30. Carrol never had technique, he was just brute force. Benteke has good pace, better fitness, can work the flanks, better close control, better distribution & is stronger physically. Benteke rarely loses 50-50 challenges, I've seen 5ft plus players win headers against Carrol!
    As mentioned earlier Benteke is way better all round!

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  31. Of course I went there cos that's how I see it! Daniel Sturridge illustrates exactly my point, look at his attributes sheer pace we've been crying out for this for years. Look at the impact he has made already! Lets get this clear, I'm against signing players on the basis of their colour, but if you look at everything LFC lack-physical presence, pace, mixed with ability to dribble. If you want to find it ALL IN ONE PACKAGE you'll find this in Brazil, Africa also in Europe but mainly in players of Afro-Carribean origin. Why did Chelski buy Lakaku? I think it's because they're looking for the next Drogba. Since Makalele people have cotton on to this & so the likes of Viera, Yaya Toure, Momo Sissoko, Geordies Cissoko have purposely been scouted to do the job I described in a not so pc way- the big black skilful brute. All I'm saying is LFC seriously need a piece of the action up front & midfield.
    The top German, Spanish, Italian & British (Chelski, Spurs,Arsenal ) no about this. Especially Chelski, the only team to interrupt the Mancs dominance in the past few seasons, they have made the most of African/Euro African scouting unlike us!

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  32. Carroll has technique when he has the confidence to use it. Think his spin at the weekend against Newcastle and his dummy on John Terry before scoring in the FA Cup final. His heading is fantastic too, I think he could be a Mario Gomez if he had the right service. Yes he's mainly force and power, but he has an accurate shot and his heading is fantastic.

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  33. Right, just so I'm clear, what you're saying is that our team isn't big and black enough?

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  34. You couldn't afford him. You're still paying off the 20m instalments for Downing!. If Benteke leaves he'll be looking to make a big jump up with a top side.

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  35. I see you're point and if the coaches are convinced he can work then I have no problem with him coming aboard but there are two concerns that I have:

    1) All the games that I've seen Benteke play defenders have given him too much respect on the ball and allowed him to hold up and have enough space to run with the ball which, to his credit, has enabled him to bring others into play and create space for himself to score more. As players adapt to him (and the added incentive of playing against Liverpool) they won't be as nice and will he be able to adjust and cope? It's a risk that I'm not sure we should gamble on because I really haven't seen that natural talent that will keep him scoring when defenders start adjusting. Against the top 4 teams he has not scored a goal all season. What do all those teams have in common? They have the best defenses in the league who are not afraid to put pressure on him. I could be wrong about him but the numbers do lean in my favor imo

    2) What do we do with DS? He is expected to lead that line and a bench warming position probably won't go down well with him and might affect the dressing room. DS has been sporadic since he came in but I still do think he deserves more than being replaced like. In addition, its clear how DS fits into our system and thus has a lot more upside than Benteke but thats just my opinion. DS does know how to score against the top teams tho and thats to me is crucial

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  36. Jon Jacks hit it on the head and he forgot to mention the amazing volley goal against West Brom. If you think Carroll has no technique or skill then I have respecfully disagree with you. He was playing in a system that clearly didn't work for him and forced him to become a "brute force" player which he wasnt (and KD will have to take some stick for not managing him right). He does have an added size advantage that he uses (just like Benteke), but he looks to bring other players into play and not rely on pace because, yes, that's where Benteke has an advantage over him. Having said that, you will be hard pressed to find a sweeter striker of the ball with his left foot. He has scored some screamers for Newcastle, West Ham, and yes even us. He's starting to show his technical side more at west ham but he's always had it in his locker. Talking about Carroll having no skill sounds like those "fans" who claimed the same thing towards Crouch who showed everyone that you can be a big hold-up forward, but still be great technically with your feet

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  37. Funkdoc, Not the most PC comment BUT spot on. Its like an athletics club that keeps putting out white 100m runners or a swimming club that fields an all black team. Physiologically, there are huge differences between WASPs and Afro Carribeans and that impacts on sporting capabilities and suitability for certain sports/roles. This is not discriminatory, but rather a fact of life.


    I find it laughable that someone can suggest selling Carroll and spending the same money to buy Tekkers. I have nothing against AC and think that, used in the right way, he can be very effective for the right team (just like Darren Bent), but he does not have a 10th of the talent of Tekkers. I thought Liverpool fans would have recognised this after Tekkers' back heel for Andi's goal at Anfield - not sure Carroll could have done this!


    As a Villa fan I am confident Tekkers won't be at Liverpool next year and am nearly 100% confident that he will remain with us. He seems very understated and he appears to be loving his current surroundings. Equally, he will want to play for Belgium at the WC and will realise that his best chance of doing this is if he keeps starting games. I also think, and I would say this wouldn't I, that, with a bit of financial support over the summer (which the rumours suggest he will get), Villa could be an interesting place to be next season and, for the young lads growing up together, they could have a bit of fun and go on a journey (sorry - modern football parlance is "project").


    I am not a fan of LFC - mainly for the way that you have seemed to conduct your transfer business over the last decade (very much in the newspapers! which seemed to start with the FSW) - but do think that you have some very good attacking options. Downing, Raheem and Coutinho are great wide options. I am a Downing fan but think that Rodgers has only just started to get it right with him - both positionally and, more importantly, mentally. DS and Ratboy are good striking options but you do need a Tekkers type player - big but, unlike Carroll, mobile - to utilise as an option/throw into the mix. Demba Ba might be a good reasonably priced option when Chelski go out and spend £'ms on Falcao or someone of that ilk and he drops back to fourth choice (he is too good for that). I think your bigger problems are in the CBs and in CM, where an ageing Stevie G is going to be hard to both phase out of the side (which you will have to do over the next couple of years) and to replace.

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  38. I'll give you that much.


    I was using JK's 15m valuation above as the reference.

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  39. You seem to understand & I think the swimming example is great! In fact I was thinking abt the back heel & the goal he scored when he just bulldozed our defence! The fact some want to compare Carroll to Benteke demonstrates naivety of the highest order. Same reason why Ba has relegated Torres to the bench.
    I agree we need to get it right in defence & midfield, which is why summer will be crucial. As for Benteke never say never, money talks!

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  40. Cant see this happening at all. He'll go to a CL club imo

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  41. Against top 4 teams ASTON VILLA played the majority of the game on the break.At LIVERPOOL it doesn't matter who we play, he wouldn't be starved of ball.That would allow him to be in the game more and he should with COUTINHO and the likes creating, get more opportunities to score against top teams.
    The space he operates in would be crowded at LFC because many teams adopt park the bus tactics especially at ANFIELD.I think his technique and strength would come to the fore.
    DS wouldn't be happy but my concern is the team not players feelings.Having both in the squad would provide us with great options!

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  42. Technique includes close control, short & long range passing as well as shooting. Sorry but he's too 1 dimensional he would have been cracking in the 90s & early noughties but the modern striker has to be multifaceted-target man, work the flanks, play in a front pairing, drop deep & distribute, play off the last defender, bend runs etc etc. AC is an ok target man with minimal mobility, ?can play in a little man-big man combo!

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  43. I never said 15 million was too much so leave that out of it. And yes, based on his career decisions so far, I wouldn't say he is the sharpest tool in the shed.

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  44. buck teeth bob7:01 am, May 11, 2013

    i don't even know why you're having this discussion , he will be staying where he is , just deal with it , you want to be more worried about dental insurance costs for your( dick emery vicar) clone !!!!!

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  45. Funny enough Ron Atkinson was a head of his time in this whole positive racial profiling. Remember the old Villa team of the 90s- Earl Barrett-v.quick & strong, Tony Daley aka sonic the hedgehog, he had the pace of 10 men. Then there's Dalian Atkinson, in IMO one of the most gifted English strikers never to reach his full potential due to his part lifestyle.
    As a Villa fan, Ron Atkinson must be a cult hero?

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  46. Firstly you do not have a clue about your one has been club. It's not like the old days where LFC wanted someone and they came running. What's even worse is that when you link yourself to a player, you think you'll get him on the cheap because you do not have the money in the first place.

    If Benteke is to go, it certainly will not be to LFC. He will also not go for anything less the 35 million you paid for Caroll.

    Finally, he has already said if AVFC avoids the drop this season (very likely now), he will resign an extension, so get over it.

    Actually, you should be more worried about Suarez and Reina - about the only 2 decent players you have - staying at your club.

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  47. Actually, have LFC paid off the Downing installments yet. If Henderson is worth 20 million, Downing is worth 20 million and Andy Caroll is worth 35 million then, Benteke must be worth at least 40-50 million, so is way out of LFC's price bracket...:)

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  48. Good point, Darren Bent is probably more suited to end up at LFC. 10 Million for Bent, and with the war chest Lerner will be giving Lambert over the summer we could have a very strong squad for next season. Onwards and Upwards....

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