Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has claimed that Christian Benteke will "prove to be a bargain" for the club, following his move from Aston Villa.

The 24-year-old completed his transfer to the Reds last week for a fee believed to be in the region of £32.5m.

"I've read and seen things about his game, but in the short period of time he's been in, I've been even more impressed," Rodgers told reporters. "I've seen him up close now for three years, stood at the side of the field and watching this guy – not just his power and strength, but also his footballing ability.

"He's surprised people in the early stages of life at Liverpool with that mobility and the quickness of his feet – and his natural power and strength is there to see. One of the goals I remember he scored against us at Anfield, he ran halfway through the field.

"This isn't someone who lacks pace, movement and intelligence. He's not just a guy who you chuck the ball up to. Of course, his strength allows you to keep the ball, but he'll really help the unpredictability of our game this season. For me, I think he'll prove to be a bargain for the club, I really do."

Benteke scored 15 goals in 33 appearances for Villa last season.