Exclusive: Carra impressed with Benteke debut

[tlw content]

Jamie Carragher says he was impressed with Christian Benteke’s Liverpool debut but was surprised at how often Liverpool looked to hit it long to their new number nine.

 

Speaking exclusively on our latest podcast the Reds legend described the Reds’ new £32m man as “a handful” and revealed how the big Belgian had impressed him with his link up play at the Britannia.

 

“I played against him at Villa Park, we won 2-1 and Henderson scored the winner when he dinked it over the keeper in Brendan’s first season. He was a handful, with that physique and his power he’s caused Liverpool numerous problems over the last few years.

 

Despite a lack of goalscoring opportunities, Carragher felt Benteke performed well under difficult circumstances and he was pleasantly surprised at the big Belgian’s ball retention.

 

“I thought he did ok at Stoke. Liverpool didn’t attack too much and he didn’t have great service from wide areas, but whenever the ball came into him he didn’t lose it clumsily, which was a fear of mine from when I’ve seen him at times in the past.

 

“Every time the ball went up to Benteke he was neat and tidy and he kept it, he just didn’t have the opportunity to show what he’s about, scoring goals and using that pace and power. I think there was one opportunity in the second half when he ran onto a pass but it was great defending by Geoff Cameron who got back in with a great tackle.”

 

Carra then went on to express his surprise at how frequently Simon Mignolet took the direct approach and hit it long to his compatriot. To hear more listen to the full interview - which included Jamie's thoughts on the Lovren / Sakho debate and why Coutinho needs to play centrally - on the embedded player below, or by subscribing to the TLW podcast here.

 

 

 

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[razor]

Friend to the stars!  Great scoop.

[alles ist gut]

The only thing wrong with the story is that the Henderson goal was the equaliser and we won the game with a penalty. The important part is where he points out that he had to watch Benteke run us ragged from the bench at Anfield earlier that season (he doesn't put it exactly like that...)

[kemskem]

We might have to hope that Ibe can provide him with some crosses. I'm not sure where else they'd come from. Henderson, maybe, with the odd whipped ball. I haven't seen enough of Clyne. No ideas about Firmino.

[Paulie Dangerously]

"Big Belgians ball retention"

 

Nice alliteration Carra!

[scudger99]

We might have to hope that Ibe can provide him with some crosses. I'm not sure where else they'd come from. Henderson, maybe, with the odd whipped ball. I haven't seen enough of Clyne. No ideas about Firmino.

Henderson has an odd whipped ball ?  As in 50 shades of Hendo or something ?

[chrisbonnie]

I thought he had a crap game. And I'm predicting we'll sell him for 10 million in two years time. Rubbish signing by a rubbish manager.

 

Sorry for sitting on the fence with this one

[skend04]

I thought he had a crap game. And I'm predicting we'll sell him for 10 million in two years time. Rubbish signing by a rubbish manager.

 

Sorry for sitting on the fence with this one

Controversial! I thought he challenged well for all those long balls. Once we've got them practiced enough he'll be unstoppable.

[chrisbonnie]

Controversial! I thought he challenged well for all those long balls. Once we've got them practiced enough he'll be unstoppable.

32 million buys you a guy that can knock a long ball down?

 

Wow, that's economics 101

[magicrat]

Henderson has an odd whipped ball ?  

Sounds like an S+M injury. Each to his own