Christian Benteke has vowed to stay at Liverpool and battle for his future at the club despite his debut season having been underwhelming.

The Belgian became the Reds’ second most expensive player ever when he completed a £32.5m move to Merseyside from Aston Villa, and many expected him to be a huge hit following his goalscoring exploits in the Midlands.

However, despite netting seven times in Premier League action for Liverpool, Benteke has fallen down Jurgen Klopp’s pecking order, and currently appears to be fourth choice behind Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi and Roberto Firmino.

This has led to suggestions that the 25-year-old may move on after just one season, but he’s claimed that he’s eager to stay put and fight for his future at the club:

“Obviously it has not been the best season for me here,” he is quoted by the Liverpool Echo. “I haven’t played like I want to and that is frustrating but this is part of football.

“I never lose my self-confidence. But when you are not playing regularly you maybe lose a little bit of the speed or pace of the game compared to when you are playing in the side all of the time.

“You are just not as comfortable as when you play every weekend. Your match fitness isn’t the same.

“There is no secret. When things aren’t going well you just have to work harder and trust yourself.

“Even though things have not been as I wanted I’m really happy here. Playing for this club is exciting, just like what I thought it would be. Now I want to finish this season well.”

Benteke was signed under the reign of Brendan Rodgers, but his lack of mobility has become an issue in Klopp’s high tempo, pressing-based approach to the game.

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