Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has stated that Christian Benteke’s £32.5 million transfer fee will prove to be a bargain once the striker shows the Kop what he can do.

The Belgium international has arrived at Anfield this summer from Aston Villa and will be charged with filling the void left by Raheem Sterling and spearheading the Merseyside outfit’s challenge for a top-four berth.

Despite some detractors questioning the size of Benteke’s transfer fee, Rodgers has backed his new number nine to be a real success for the Reds.

“I think he'll prove to be a bargain for the club, I really do,” The Daily Mail quote Rodgers as saying.

“’I've read things about his game, but in the short period of time he's been in, I've been even more impressed. I've seen him up close hand now for three years and watched this guy, with his power, strength and ability.

“One of the goals I remember he scored against us at Anfield, he ran half way through the field. This isn't someone who lacks pace, movement and intelligence. He's not just a guy who you chuck the ball up to. His strength allows you to keep the ball, but he'll help the unpredictability of our game.

“We know he can play football, we know he can play counter-attack, but we also know when we cross the ball we have got a real presence that is going to allow us to keep the ball in the box for periods of time and for others to get goals from.

“He doesn't set the price and I'm thankful the club have brought him in because I really think he's going to be a huge asset.”

Liverpool have a new-look attack this season, with Divock Origi, Roberto Firmino and Danny Ings all joining the club also; it will be interesting to see which players are selected for the first game of the new season against Stoke.

Benteke’s arrival this summer has resulted in the sale of Rickie Lambert to West Brom, while the futures of Fabio Borini and Mario Balotelli are widely believed to be away from the club too.