Crysal Palace striker scored twice against Liverpool at the weekend.
Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke
Liverpool were haunted by former striker Christian Benteke at the weekend as he scored twice in a 2-1 win for Crystal Palace at Anfield.
Benteke’s goals highlighted his talent, and offered questions as to why he could not succeed at Liverpool.
He was a £32 million signing from Aston Villa under Brendan Rodgers, only to find opportunities limited under replacement Jurgen Klopp.
Pundit Tony Cascarino says there is only one person to blame, and that’s Benteke himself.
Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino in action with Crystal Palace’s Jeffrey Schlupp, Jason Puncheon and Christian Benteke
He told The Times that he questions whether Benteke worked hard enough, and it is his fault that he was sold after just one season.
He said: “To me his performances in recent weeks do not make me question why Jürgen Klopp decided to sell him, rather they make me wonder why he didn’t produce more in his time at Anfield.
He has always had talent and potential but he is a player I think is guilty of playing within himself. He looked lazy and Klopp wanted more effort and team play from the Belgian but he didn’t get it.”
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp with Christian Benteke
Benteke is thriving under Palace boss Sam Allardyce, who loves his sides to play with a big target man as a focal point.
The Belgian’s confidence is back, which could be the crucial factor. After a slow start at the Reds he looked like he was always playing catch up, and when given a rare chance under Klopp he was under pressure knowing that failing to score would likely see him fail to hold onto his place.
At Palace he has more freedom and more belief, and Liverpool were the unfortunate victims of his return to form.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
