It took two summers to find the guns to replace Luis Suarez, but Liverpool’s efforts sure look better this time around.
Christian Benteke has now joined Danny Ings, James Milner and Roberto Firmino as part of a rejuvenated Liverpool attack force, one that already had Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho and Jordan Henderson.
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In a move that will strengthen the Reds and cause plenty of heartache at Aston Villa, Liverpool triggered Benteke’s release clause of approximately $48 million.
What’s the 24-year-old motivation? Trophies.
From an interview at LiverpoolFC.com:What do you know about Liverpool Football Club?
I know Liverpool is a big story. They’ve won [many] league titles and the Champions League five times and of course the UEFA Cup and a lot of trophies. I know it’s a big club.
...
What do you hope to actually achieve here at this football club?
I came here to win trophies. I came here to reach some great goals with the team.
What would you say motivates you as a footballer?
It’s about winning trophies. It’s about doing something in [my] career I can maybe explain to my son or my kids what I did.
You don’t need to explain much when you’ve got pictures of yourself with trophies. Or trophies. Shiny ones.
Liverpool may’ve lost Raheem Sterling and Steven Gerrard, but it’s hard to argue they haven’t more than made up for those losses. Look out for the Reds to make a run for laurels this season.