Christian Benteke, Daniel Sturridge Among Reds Who Scored In Anfield Debuts

Christian Benteke became the 14th Liverpool player this century to score in his Anfield debut, so we’ve profiled the last five to do it before the Belgian, whose tap-in sealed the win versus Bournemouth on Monday night.

Jordan Rossiter vs. Middlesbrough — Sept. 23, 2014
Liverpool won an epic penalty shoot-out (14-13) against Boro in the League Cup Third Round last term, but the occasion was equally memorable for young Jordan Rossiter’s debut strike. Ten minutes into his first-ever professional appearance, the midfielder scored from range — thanks in part to a blunder by goalkeeper Jamal Blackman. Rossiter was a key player for the Under-21s last season, and featured during pre-season for the first-team this summer. At 18-years-old, he’s still got the world at his feet.

Daniel Sturridge vs. Norwich City — January 19, 2013
Daniel Sturridge’s goals-to-game ratio is better than any Liverpool striker in Barclays Premier League history. The England international has 40 in 67, and had last season not been impacted by injury it would be plenty more. The forward set the tone for his Reds career by bagging in a 5-0 demolition of Norwich, playing up top alongside Luis Suarez, who also scored (as he always did against the Canaries). The pair went on to form one of the best strike pairings in Premier League history, firing Liverpool to within a few points of title glory in 2013/14. The Reds’ chances of success this term will be significantly boosted if he can get fit and stay fit.

Luis Suarez vs. Stoke City — February 2, 2011
Few knew just how special Luis Suarez was going to be when he came on in the second-half against Stoke and sealed a 2-0 win after rounding the keeper in front of the Kop. Fans were still talking about the sale of Fernando Torres, but, in truth, they should have been celebrating capturing the Uruguay international. Suarez’s arrival from Ajax in 2011 was somewhat low key as the Andy Carroll deal stole the headlines, but it didn’t take long until Suarez was recognized as Liverpool’s attacking talisman. Eighty-two goals and countless jaw-dropping moments later, the forward joined Barcelona, where he’s already won five trophies.