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Liverpool legend says £32.5m signing is huge improvement on Anfield flop
JOHN BARNES insists Liverpool striker Christian Benteke is a huge improvement on Mario Balotelli.
Christian Benteke - Spotlight on
Benteke arrived at Anfield in the summer for £32.5m from Aston Villa before Balotelli was sent back to AC Milan on loan.
Balotelli, 25, managed just four goals for Liverpool after joining last year for £16m as the 24-year-old Benteke bagged 16 for Villa.
And Reds legend Barnes believes the Belgian has the potential to build a perfect strike partnership with Daniel Sturridge.
He said: "Balotelli and Benteke are completely different players.
John Barnes has high hopes for Christian Benteke and Daniel Sturridge partnership
"Benteke loves high balls, he’s strong, he’s got a great attitude and he runs the channels, whereas Balotelli is different.
"It’s a completely different partnership [with Sturridge], Benteke is a completely different kettle of fish. He has a much better attitude, so I’m hopeful."
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