Brendan Rodgers said it doesn’t matter that it was scored in a friendly, Christian Benteke’s goal against Swindon on Sunday was “incredible”.
Benteke started his first game in a Liverpool shirt as the Reds ended their pre-season preparations with a 2-1 victory at League One’s Swindon Town.
Always nice to start with a win and a goal looking forward to the season
thank you for your welcome? #YNWA— Christian Benteke (@chrisbenteke) August 2, 2015
The Belgian international grew into the game and broke the deadlock three minutes into the second half with a fantastic volley from the edge of the area.
Liverpool fans will be hoping it’s a glimpse of what’s to come from the 24-year-old, who signed from Aston Villa this summer for £32.5 million.
Rodgers was delighted to see his new signing get on the scoresheet, and happy at the fitness test the game at the County Ground had given his players.
He told the club’s official website after the game, “Christian’s goal was incredible, whether it was a pre-season friendly or in a league or cup game. It was wonderful technique from the big guy.
“The other guys started to get some minutes under their belt; Firmino, Emre Can, boys that have come back a bit later. It was pleasing all round.
“It finished off our pre-season preparations – a number of guys needed a game today. It was a really good exercise.”
Sheyi Ojo scored Liverpool’s winner after Jonathan Obika had equalised for the hosts.
The game also saw the debut of Roberto Firmino, the summer signing from Hoffenheim, and Rodgers was equally pleased with the ability the Brazilian showed.
He added, “You see his quality. He is really bright on the ball, has got wonderful technique and has got the ability to want to get forward and score a goal.
“For those players it was just getting them into that game situation, which is never easy as they have only been back a week or so. But they adapted and coped very well.”
However, it wasn’t all good news as Rodgers confirmed Joe Allen will have to undergo a scan on his hamstring. The Welsh midfielder came off after just 13 minutes.
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