Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp saw his side defeat Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, and Christian Benteke had a significant role in the victory.
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While the Belgian effectively killed the contest with the third goal for the visitors, he was pivotal in the build-up to Philippe Coutinho’s second goal, as shown above.
The summer signing offers a real presence up front for the Reds, similar to the role that Robert Lewandowski had with great success at Dortmund under Klopp, and it allows the side to play in a more direct manner which gives them more of an attacking threat.
Liverpool enjoyed long periods of possession in the first half on Saturday, but as has been the case since Klopp arrived last month, they were unable to translate that into goals aside from Coutinho’s sensational effort just before the whistle.
The Merseysiders hadn’t scored more than one goal in a game under the German tactician prior to yesterday’s win, but that all changed in the second half as Benteke became more of a problem for the Chelsea backline.
Although questions could be asked of John Terry and Gary Cahill, as well as Cesc Fabregas and Ramires who failed to track back and offer their teammates support, it was a perfect example of how Liverpool can build around Benteke provided that they have willing midfield runners.
In just 26 minutes of play at Stamford Bridge, the 24-year-old won three aerial duels, two of which resulted in goals, as he scored and provided an assist, as reported by the Metro.
The Belgian is a goalscoring threat himself, but his ability to link up play and be the focal point of the Liverpool attack makes the entire team more dangerous. If he can stay fit and build some momentum, then he is capable of changing the entire complexion of Liverpool’s season as Klopp’s system makes the most of his attributes.
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