Benitez Dismisses Bellamy "Risk"

Rafael Benitez believes playing for Liverpool will tame controversial Wales striker Craig Bellamy. Yeah, right.

Even though Benitez is aware of Bellamy's reputation for off-field trouble, he still believes that the future is very bright. Soccer Pundit hopes so but is not convinced that the club's goal famine is about to stop with the arrival of Bellamy. They have their talismatic midfielder Steven Gerrad to thank for the club's considerable success so far but Soccer Pundit is sure that Gerrad will not be happy with the quality of talents bought in to bolster the team.

In the last season, Liverpool has such a dismal record of goals scored by its strikers that valuable points were dropped for matches which should have been won. That ultimately cost them the title even though their consistency in the final stretch allowed them to secure a Champions League spot comfortably. For that, Benitez should get the credit.

There is no doubt of Bellamy's talent (from his time at Newcastle where he forged a formidable partnership with Alan Shearer). He has the speed to beat defenders and score goals and his aggression in chasing half chances will give Liverpool somthing extra (but that could also be a potential red-card liability).

If playing under the tutelage of Benitez can make him a more matured and less volatile player, then the 6.5 million pounds will be well-spent, otherwise, Liverpool will spend the new season exactly where they left off, i.e chasing behind the forerunner Chelsea and possibly ManU and Arsenal...