Liverpool must get the best out of Christian Benteke, says Phil Thompson

Christian Benteke needs more support up front if Liverpool are to see an improvement in results, says Sky Sports' Phil Thompson.

The £32.5m summer signing from Aston Villa has led the line under manager Brendan Rodgers this season, scoring two of the three goals Liverpool have in their opening five matches.

The 24-year-old's last goal came in a 3-1 defeat to Manchester United last weekend, where he scored a spectacular overhead kick.

And Thompson believes Rodgers needs to alter how the front three of his 4-3-3 formation lines up if Liverpool are to see an improvement in results.

"I think that there's not been enough support for him," he told Sky Sports News HQ.

"When we've had it before where we've played up there with two either side, it's been very close. Coutinho's been playing there at times - certainly when Suarez is up there with Sturridge was very, very close. Danny Ings started on the left, Firmino started on the right. Not enough support for Benteke.

"For me, if you're going to play Danny Ings, play him where he is best at, which is as a striker, or at least playing in and around Benteke. We didn't have a lot of pace in the side against Manchester United."

You're not getting the best out of your players. I think you have to play your players in their best positions to get the best out of them. Phil Thompson

Thommo also thinks that the best front three would include Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho to get the most out of the Belgium international, pending on the England striker being fit.

He explained: "When Sturridge played with Suarez, Suarez would sometimes play down the middle and Sturridge would start to the left of him, not wide.

"You're not getting the best out of your players. I think you have to play your players in their best positions to get the best out of them. If Benteke is going to be playing against Norwich on Sunday, play Sturridge - if he does start - alongside him and Coutinho the other side to get the best out of the players."