Rush backs Ings and Benteke for Reds success
Ian Rush has backed strike duo Danny Ings and Christian Benteke to be regular matchwinners for Liverpool as their Anfield careers unfold.
Benteke has started all four of the Reds' fixtures in 2015-16 and got off the mark for the club with a winning goal against Bournemouth last month.
Ings, meanwhile, was forced to wait for his competitive debut but looked sharp during a half-hour cameo against West Ham United prior to the international break.
As the club's record all-time goalscorer with 346 strikes to his name, Rush knows a thing or two about what is required of an Anfield frontman.
And, though Ings' minutes on the pitch have been limited since his summer arrival, the Welshman has seen enough to believe that the former Burnley man will prove to a be a shrewd acquisition.
"I was very impressed with Danny Ings in pre-season and he is a quality player that can come on," he told Sky Sports.
"I think Liverpool have got people on the bench who can come on and win you the game now where maybe a couple of years ago we didn't have that.
"I watched him in pre-season and for me he is very clever with the way that he makes his runs. He plays off the shoulder of the defender and he makes his runs early.
"The likes of Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino, who could be playing alongside him, will see those runs and play him in.
"If you don't get the ball three or four times sometimes you can stop making the runs but Ings looks very sharp to me and I think he is good in the box as well."
Rush also hailed the signing of Benteke from Aston Villa, stating that the Belgian offers Brendan Rodgers the opportunity to mix things up tactically.
He also expects the 24-year-old's maiden strike against Eddie Howe's side to do wonders for his confidence.
"I'm really happy that they have signed him. I think they needed someone like that," he continued.
"Benteke gives Liverpool a different option and I think he's probably a bit better on the ground than people think. Technically, he's very good but he's also a good get out for Simon Mignolet.
"Liverpool like to play at the back but sometimes they overplay and he can be that get-out because he is good in the air and it allows Simon Mignolet to kick the ball down the field knowing Benteke is a good outlet.
"It's good that he has proven Premier League experience but the most important thing is that he is already off the mark.
"When you move to a new club as a striker the most important thing is getting your first goal and he's done that already.
"I think he improved Aston Villa when he was there but playing for Liverpool is another level. You have to be consistent, not in three games out of six, but five games out of six.
"That is the pressure of playing for Liverpool. I'm sure he now knows what it's like and I'm sure he will do well."