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| Benteke battles with Stoke's Geoff Cameron |
BRENDAN ROGERS should not be afraid to encourage his team to play the long ball according to former Reds' midfielder Jamie Redknapp.
The Sky Sports pundit believes the signing of Belgian striker Christian Benteke means the club have perfect mix and styles and that - despite a slugish start away to Stoke last weekend - Rogers' men will be too hot to handle for Premier League new boys Bournemouth on Monday night.
“Liverpool didn’t play vintage football against Stoke but it wasn’t about that for them - it was all about the result,” Redknapp to The Liverpool Echo.
“It was noted that Liverpool played with a more direct style at the Britannia than last season – with new signing Christian Benteke the target for a number of long balls. But there’s nothing wrong with that in my book.
“When you’ve got a player like Benteke, don’t be afraid to use him – and don’t be embarrassed by it. He’s not just a battering ram, he’s also a very good player. Liverpool have to mix their game up and when you’re not full of confidence it’s better to play in the other team’s half.
“It’s a fine line between being too direct but they got the balance right – and then got a bit of genius from Philippe Coutinho, who is probably their outstanding player at the moment.
“Bournemouth will maintain their passing approach, which should allow Liverpool to express themselves, with the confidence they’ve taken from the Stoke win. It will be a great occasion for Bournemouth – but I can see Liverpool winning 3-1.”
Redknapp, who played 13 games for Bournemouth before joining Liverpool as a 17-year-old in 1991, believes the club's management have done a remarkable job to get them to the 'dreamland' of the Premier League.
“When I was playing for Bournemouth, I’d never have believed that one day they would be in the Premier League,” he told Sky Sports.
“To see them preparing to go to Liverpool on Monday Night Football is incredible. It’s dreamland stuff for the club and the fans.
“Manager Eddie Howe and owner Maxim Demin have done such a great job in transforming the club from one on the brink of bankruptcy to playing in England’s top flight.
“They have already found out that if you don’t take your chances in the Premier League you get punished."
The game kicks-off at 8pm on Monday night.
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