Former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has told talkSPORT that Christian Benteke has a future at Anfield given that current coach Jurgen Klopp targeted the Belgium international while in charge of Borussia Dortmund.
Benteke, 25, was brought to Liverpool by Rodgers last summer in a £32.5 million transfer from Aston Villa, but has struggled to cement a regular starting role at Anfield.
The Belgian has scored six Premier League goals in 20 appearances this season, but has started just 12 matches and has been on the bench for their last three league games with Roberto Firmino preferred in an advanced role.
Klopp has spoken of his long-running interest in Benteke by confirming he met the striker and his agent in 2013 after scouting him in “a lot of games.
Despite uncertainty over Benteke’s future, Rodgers — who made the striker his record signing for Liverpool — believes Klopp will take his time with the 25-year-old as he learns the style of play that is expected of him at the club.
Asked if Benteke has a role to play in Klopp’s team, Rodgers replied: “Yes, I think he will. With Christian, I think Jurgen will take his time with him.
“In this country, now, everything is very ‘short-termism,’ isn’t it? People look at it like, you’ve got to come in, get 20 goals in your first season or you might be deemed a failure.
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