Colombian wants in but Reds prefer Belgian

It would be interesting to know more about what the problem was for Bacca and his family in Belgium. It can't be down to the weather I'd have thought, given that Bacca and his agent freely admit to considering a move to England. Is it an issue of lifestyle? The language barrier? The family feeling isolated in a foreign country? I can fully understand why South Americans find it easy to settle in Spain because it's a similar lifestyle to that experienced back home, only with better earnings.

You said something that, in isolation, was utterly meaningless. Would you like a list of foreign players that have adapted? Or perhaps a list of English players that haven't adapted to playing for a club that have aspirations above finishing mid table?

Not really, it's just a point in isolation that some foreign players struggle to adapt in England. Heck even the most expensive player in British history, DI Maria, has struggled to adapt only last season.

That's why i think Bacca is more of a risk than Benteke. He is older and "might" not adapt. Benteke is younger, scores goals in the league and has already adapated

This is quite a compelling argument. I like Benteke, I'm just not sold on the idea that Rodgers would be able to utilise his talents fully.

I agree with you on that, thats a legit concern. 

I've chosen Bacca because i'll cartwheel round my birds dads lawn naked if we secure another decent signing before Monday. I would however prefer any of Tevez, Dzeko, Higuain or Volland.

Does anyone remember the home game in Rodgers first season where Benteke basically destroyed us on his own? Scored a great opening goal from distance, then an unbelievable back heel assist for the second and the third one he ran half the pitch and went through all of our defenders like nothing and slotted it home. He had Agger in his back pocket that day, i felt embarrassed for him.

Not really, it's just a point in isolation that some foreign players struggle to adapt in England. Heck even the most expensive player in British history, DI Maria, has struggled to adapt only last season.

 

That's why i think Bacca is more of a risk than Benteke. He is older and "might" not adapt. Benteke is younger, scores goals in the league and has already adapated

Benteke might not adapt to playing for a team trying to do more than staying in the division.

That's why I think he's a bigger risk.

Yeah, you can see why Benteke would be the option given he's Premiership proven and his age. I actually wanted us to sign him last summer.

As mentioned, we looked such a soft touch at times, so he will definitely give us much more options. He's good in the air (not where most of his goals come from), so why not take advantage of this?

My only concern with him is his injuries. Having him and Sturridge out at the same time would be a choker.

Origi could be another Benteke or be utter shit. We have Ings as well.

Would be a huge fucking improvement on our pathetic strikeforce for last season no doubt.

This is quite a compelling argument. I like Benteke, I'm just not sold on the idea that Rodgers would be able to utilise his talents fully.

If he can't, then I'm sure Klopp can.

The set of players that Mike Gordon is putting together is impressive, at the highest level. If Rodgers can't work out a system to get that team winning 65% of games then he'll be shown the door, and rightly so.

Rondon's decent, probably more limited than Bacca. Would be a better signing than Benteke, mind.

 

What is it about Bacca's game that makes you question his suitability to the English game?

Nothing specific, just standard caution that he might not adjust to the culture or to the physicality of some opposition defences.

Leaving aside the ridiculous price, do you see any merit in us bringing in Benteke? 

Benteke might not adapt to playing for a team trying to do more than staying in the division.

 

That's why I think he's a bigger risk.

Fair point, i see what you're saying there mate 

Benteke relies on his strength more than his technique to be effective though. So i would like to think that part of his game wont let him down if he were to join us but i do see you're point. 

Does anyone remember the home game in Rodgers first season where Benteke basically destroyed us on his own? Scored a great opening goal from distance, then an unbelievable back heel assist for the second and the third one he ran half the pitch and went through all of our defenders like nothing and slotted it home. He had Agger in his back pocket that day, i felt embarrassed for him.

He did I also remember Andy Carroll destroying us before we bought him scoring a belter from distance. I wouldn't be using a player bumming us a reason for his signing. We'll be after that palace chump gayle next if that was the case. 

Big Ben is the man for us.

Bearing in mind what we spunked on Carroll, we should just pay the £32,5m and get the striking situation sorted.

If he can't, then I'm sure Klopp can.

 

The set of players that Mike Gordon is putting together is impressive, at the highest level. If Rodgers can't work out a system to get that team winning 65% of games then he'll be shown the door, and rightly so.

I totally agree with this. It's got to be Rodgers last chance this season but with the players we have signed it means whoever is next will still have a good squad to work with.

I like Brendan and i want him to do well but if he doesnt, Klopp would get this team playing well i think.

Villa aren't expected to take the initiative in the majority of their matches so their approach is to play on the counter. That means winning the ball in deeper positions, playing it into the front man either down the channels or to hold the ball up and link with players who are trying to catch up and support.

A lot of our football when we finished 2nd involved quick balls down the channels.

If we're getting an overpriced premier league striker, I'd much prefer Berahino to Benteke.

Does anyone remember the home game in Rodgers first season where Benteke basically destroyed us on his own? Scored a great opening goal from distance, then an unbelievable back heel assist for the second and the third one he ran half the pitch and went through all of our defenders like nothing and slotted it home. He had Agger in his back pocket that day, i felt embarrassed for him.

Benteke loves a backheel. Watch his youtube compilations, there's loads of them. Better footballer and link up man than he's given credit for.

Never heard of the cunts.

I only go off what my eyes see, but for my money Benteke will think he's made the big time if he signs for us, and he won't be the same animal.

Seen it so many times when we sign a player from another English club. They lose their edge. South American strikers (in general) on the other hand...

Marc Wilmots likened Benteke's performance against Wales to a pole because he was so static all game.

South Americans, all mardy about the weather.

Fuck me, have I somehow travelled back in time to 1987 and are we trying to sign Mirandinha?

I'm starting to warm to the idea of Benteke. The price is way too high, but if we could send a few of our spuds the other way or a few loanees, that should bring the fee down a bit.

I'd be equally happy with Bacca. Rondon I know nothing about.

Benteke wouldn't have been my first choice but he's not quite the immobile lump who can do nothing besides head the ball, that some people on here like to paint him as.

There is some finesse to his game:

And pace:

Combined with strength:

And vision/awareness:

And technique:

.

Benteke wouldn't have been my first choice but he's not quite the immobile lump who can do nothing besides head the ball, that some people on here like to paint him as.

 

There is some finesse to his game:

 

And pace:

 

Combined with strength:

 

And vision/awareness:

 

And technique:

.

Exactly.