Former Liverpool defender Phil Thompson wonders whether Christian Benteke is now ahead of Daniel Sturridge in the striker pecking order at Anfield.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the Reds legend looked at the body language of both players during Liverpool’s 3-1 defeat to Swansea at the weekend:
“Benteke came on at half-time on Sunday and his body language was positive and, with Klopp shaking his hand after he scored, you wonder whether he’s ahead of Daniel in the pecking order. It’s very difficult for us looking in and knowing what goes on the training but that may be what is determining how and why he’s not started big games.”
Manager Jurgen Klopp stated in yesterday’s press conference that he hadn’t decided who would start against Villarreal in tonight’s crucial second leg in the Europa League semi-final tie.
There has been growing speculation among those in the media that Sturridge is not favoured by the German after being left out of a number of big matches both in Europe and in the league in recent months. Tonight’s line up may put the bed such rumours if Klopp does indeed start Sturridge ahead of Benteke.
Benteke meanwhile has recently returned from a knee injury and his goal against Swansea at the weekend may give him some renewed confidence going into the final games of the season which may convince Klopp that he deserves to stay at the club.
