Ibe can be ‘top class’ – Rodgers

“Then when he came back last season he was exceptional in his performances”.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is confident Christian Benteke will prove value for money.

The Reds also face Swindon Town the following day, but may field a more reserve-strength side for that match as Brendan Rodgers gives his first-teamers a final run-out against the Finnish outfit.

Benteke will not play for the Reds in their upcoming friendly against HJK Helsinki, as he has not traveled with the squad, but Rodgers has backed the 24-year-old to live up to, and even exceed, his price tag.

Sam Hall, from JMW Solicitors representing Rodgers, said: “Mr Rodgers has asked that his family’s privacy be respected”.

“You see how exciting he is, but he still has a lot of potential and work to do”.

It is likely that the team which starts here will form the nucleus of the starting line-up at Stoke next Sunday, which suggests that either Danny Ings or Divock Origi will be vying to lead the attack instead of Benteke, who became the second most expensive signing in Liverpool’s history last month.

Rodgers added: “This isn’t someone who lacks pace, movement and intelligence”. His strength allows you to keep the ball, but he’ll help the unpredictability of our game.

With Colin Pascoe and Mike Marsh fired by the club over the summer Rodgers has had to rejig his set-up a bit with Sean O’Driscoll taking over as assistant.

“But it’s how players cope with the pressure of playing for one of the leading clubs in the world”.

In terms of new arrivals, however, there is evidence to suggest Rodgers has been trusted to bring in his preferred choices this time rather than having his will bent to that of the club’s much-discussed transfer committee.

“We must not forget he is still only 19. He’s a good guy and I wish him all the best and the club all the best, but it was nice to be thought of”.