Fowler: Benteke 'perfect' for Liverpool
Kop legend Robbie Fowler believes Christian Benteke would be the perfect signing for Liverpool.
Fowler is a big admirer of the Belgium international, who is Reds boss Brendan Rodgers' No 1 striking target,Liverpool are currently unwilling to trigger the £32.5million release clause in Benteke's contract and Villa won't budge over the fee.
However, the sixth highest goalscorer in the club's history is desperately hoping that a compromise agreement can be reached over the coming weeks as he backed the 24-year-old to give the Reds a welcome injection of firepower.
"The striker issue is a big thing," Fowler told the ECHO.
"We didn't have anyone who scored 10 Premier League goals last year and I can't remember the last time that happened at Liverpool.
"It's important we get a proven goalscorer and of the names being bandied about I'd go for Benteke. I think he's excellent.
"I know there are other top strikers out there and probably more prolific scorers. But in terms of all-round play - strength, speed, physicality, finishing - I think Benteke could be the main man for Liverpool."
Aston Villa's Christian Benteke is wanted at Anfield but the £32.5m asking price remains problematic
Benteke's record since joining Villa from Genk in 2012 is impressive with 49 goals in 101 appearances. He was sidelined for six months after rupturing his Achilles in April 2014 and initially struggled on his return to action last season.
It was following the appointment of boss Tim Sherwood that he came to life - scoring a dozen goals in his last 12 matches to save Villa from relegation.
Many have questioned whether the 6ft 3ins frontman would be a good fit for Liverpool's style of play and Sherwood has warned Benteke against making the move to Anfield.
"I think we cross more balls into the box than any club in the league and I think Christian says he feeds off crosses," he said. "There's no point going to a club where they don't cross the ball."
Benteke stretches the pitch - that's ideal for how Brendan wants to play
However, Fowler, who plundered 183 goals in 369 games for Liverpool, says there is so much more to Benteke's game than simply attacking balls from the flanks and believes his presence in the Liverpool side would also enable others to flourish.
"I've watched him a lot and he's not just a targetman," Fowler said.
"He can hold the ball well and bring others into play but he's also mobile and keeps defenders on their toes.
"Before he got his injury I was very impressed with him and I was hoping we would sign him then. He had a slow start after getting back fit but under Tim Sherwood his form was superb.
"I think he's ideal for the way Brendan wants to play. It's probably what we lacked at times last season. We had forwards who wanted to drop deep to get involved with the play and we always had that gap up front.
"With a Benteke type, you have someone who will stay up there and stretch defenders. If you have someone who stretches the defence and makes the pitch bigger there's a lot more space for the likes of Firmino, Coutinho and Henderson to run into.
"When you've got players who want to drop deep all the time, you're easier to mark as a team. When forwards drop into Coutinho's position, it makes it harder for him to get on the ball.
"Liverpool's game isn't all about getting down the line and whipping crosses in, it's about movement but I think Benteke has got that.
"I can't stress enough how important it is that we get a forward like that - someone to make the pitch big. It's vital for us because it brings others into the game."
If Liverpool paid the release clause Benteke would become the second most expensive signing in the club's history. The price tag wouldn't put Fowler off.
"That's for the clubs to sort out," he added.
"A big thing is made out of the price but that's doesn't concern me.
"If a player is good enough, he's good enough and I believe Benteke is".
"He scores goals, he's a threat and a real handful for defenders. Being honest, I think he's probably the perfect player for us."