A man who coached Christian Benteke for club and country before his arrival in English football has backed the Belgian to become a huge hit with Liverpool supporters.

Georges Leekens took the striker on loan to KV Kortrijk in his homeland for the 2009-10 season and was rewarded with 14 goals in 34 league appearances.

It was the beginning of an upward trajectory that would take the prolific Benteke to Aston Villa and now Anfield, having sealed a switch to the Reds last month.

A senior international debut for Belgium was achieved along the way - and again it was Leekens at the reins, putting formidable faith in the forward.

His actions during Benteke's career so far have spoken loud enough, but recent words since Liverpool's swoop reiterate Leekens' belief.

"A system adapts itself to a good player," the 66-year-old told the official Liverpool FC magazine. "Be patient and give him the time to progress.

"This is a guy who is a team player - he makes space, he's strong, the whole defence is busy with him and then the other striking partner can profit.

"He's not just a target man, he can hold the ball and switch play. He's fast, good in the air, mentally strong and the supporters will love him.

"He will be a fantastic centre-forward for Liverpool in a number of different systems."

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