Christian Benteke 'could be the difference between sixth and fourth,' says Liverpool record goalscorer Ian Rush

Liverpool 'have to aim for top four', says Reds legend

Tom Sheen
Thursday 20 August 2015 09:28 EDT
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(Getty Images)

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Liverpool legend Ian Rush believes new signing Christian Benteke could be the difference between the club making the Champions League or not.

The £32.5million Belgian scored his first goal in front of Anfield's famous Kop against Bournemouth on Monday night, as Liverpool made it two wins out of two with another 1-0 victory.

Rush, who knows a thing or two about scoring in Red having netted a club record 346 times in two spells at the club between 1980 and 1996, also says he was "excited" by the signing of the 24-year-old.

"It’s very early doors but I was very excited when we signed him," said Rush, speaking exclusively to 888sport. "Benteke could be the difference between sixth and fourth and top four is a realistic target we have to be aiming at."

The Anfield legend won five League titles, the FA Cup three times, the League Cup five times and two European Cups with Liverpool in his 660 matches.

He added that Mario Balotelli struggled at the club because, despite his great talent, he failed to work hard for the team.

Rush scored a record 346 times in two spells at Liverpool
Rush scored a record 346 times in two spells at Liverpool (GETTY IMAGES)

"All the supporters want is for a player to give 100 per cent. They would give anything to be on that pitch themselves and if they were good enough to be on the pitch they’d die for the club. That’s how much it means to them."

Read more of Ian Rush's full interview on Balotelli, Raheem Sterling and Liverpool's trip to Arsenal at 888sport.com

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