Liverpool icon backs Champions League charge after £32.5m signing from Aston Villa

Christian Beneteke scored his first goal for Liverpool in the win over Bournemouth

IAN RUSH believes new signing Christian Benteke can fire Liverpool back into the Champions League.

 

After last season's sixth-placed finish saw the Reds miss out on a place among Europe's elite, the former Liverpool striker hailed Benteke as an excellent piece of business that could prove the difference between finishing sixth and fourth.

Manager Brendan Rodgers splashed £32.5million to bring the 24-year-old to Anfield from Aston Villa and Rush is relishing the prospect of the Belgian in tandem with Daniel Sturridge.

 

Sturridge remains sidelined through injury and Rush admits the club need him back firing soon, but can not wait to see the pair in action together.

“Can he play with Benteke? I think all great players can play with anyone," Rush said, speaking exclusively to 888sport.

"If you’re a good player – as Benteke is and Sturridge is – then you make a way to play with each other. You adapt to whatever is needed.

“Any club would miss a fully fit Daniel Sturridge."

 

Liverpool appear desperate for goals after scraping to 1-0 wins in their first two games of the Premier League season.

While Benteke gave Liverpool fans a glimpse of his qualities with his first goal for the club against Bournemouth, a lack of goals remains a concern.

However,  Rush was also quick to point out the defensive frailties that marred the last campaign appear to have been addressed.

"At the moment we’re keeping clean sheets and only winning by the odd goal," Rush added.

"We just have to keep things tight at the back and he (Benteke) will give us that extra firepower.”

Read Ian Rush's full interview on Balotelli, Sterling and Arsenal away at 888sport.com.