Christian Benteke: Liverpool Striker Scores In Swindon Friendly

Liverpool have confirmed that striker Christian Benteke has been handed the club’s iconic No 9 shirt ahead of the new season. It resulted in an early chance and, where Firmino sharper, might even have ended up with a goal, but Liverpool reserve ‘keeper and Swindon trialist Lawrence Vigouroux was wise to the danger and came charging off his line to stop him-and quite almost put him out of the match.

Liverpool start the season after having suffered the loss of another influential player in the form of Raheem Sterling, who has joined Manchester City for a record fee.

Initially positioned on the left of a three-man attack, with Lazar Markovic on the right and Benteke the central striker, Firmino had the licence to roam and did just that, consistently moving across and through Swindon’s defence during the first half.

Benteke’s wonder goal opened the scoring, but Jonathan Obika equalised shortly after the hour mark and it looked as though both sides would have to settle for a draw until Liverpool snatched victory through Ojo late on. It was wonderful technique from the big guy, ” Rodgers told Liverpool’s website.

“You see his quality”, said Rodgers.

Rodgers also signed Brazil worldwide Roberto Firmino in a £29m deal from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim last month. His 13 goals along with 2 assists from February to May were excellent and showed his ability to go through patches where all he does is score. “But they adapted and coped very well”.

The players “never complained once” about being on a mollycoddling all-expenses paid trip around the world, with first-class travel/accommodation?

The following season he would not score a single goal as his popularity quickly waned with the Liverpool fans.

Milner, Lovren in center defense, Mario Balotelli, Daniel Sturridge, Danny Ings, and Divock Origi who returns from a loan spell, would all be potential substitutes or replacements next season.

It rounds off Liverpool’s pre-season and they’ll now prepare for Sunday’s Premier League opener when they take on Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.