Arsenal legend: Jurgen Klopp must make this Liverpool ace a priority

Martin Keown says Jurgen Klopp must play Christian Benteke against Manchester City

MARTIN KEOWN believes Christian Benteke can be crucial to Jurgen Klopp's success at Liverpool.

 

The Belgian made a £32.5million move from Aston Villa in the summer and has so far scored four goals in 11 appearances for the Reds this season.

With Daniel Sturridge suffering with injury - although he could return against Manchester City tomorrow - Benteke has been left with the pressure on his shoulders to deliver goals.

Klopp's side suffered a 2-1 defeat by Crystal Palace before the international break, but he will be hoping his side get back to winning ways by taking points from league leaders City when they meet at the Etihad Stadium (5.30pm).

 

And Keown believes the German has to start the 24-year-old regularly if he wants to get the best out of his striker, like he did with Robert Lewandowski at Borussia Dortmund.

"I am a big admirer of Jurgen Klopp and I find it very interesting watching how he bonds with his players," Keown wrote in his Daily Mail column. 

"I liked seeing how he welcome Jordon Ibe into the fold, especially the embrace after that wonderful goal in the Europa League. 

"To me that said: ‘You’re one of mine, fella.’ He has also been getting the best out of Philippe Coutinho who had been quite ordinary.

 

Benteke has scored four goals in 11 appearances for the Reds

"Before the defeat by Palace, Liverpool picked up a fine result at Chelsea, but I don’t think Klopp will go without a striker again like he did at Stamford Bridge. He has to play Christian Benteke. 

"At Dortmund he had Robert Lewandowski as his main man so he likes to use a central striker and Benteke can be that man.

"To manage at Liverpool you need a big personality, and Klopp certainly has that. But this is his biggest test so far. 

"Yes, they went to Stamford Bridge and won, but so have other teams this season. They are capable of pulling off a surprise at City but I still think the home side will be too strong."