Christian Benteke has been speaking to Sport/Foot Magazine about the evolution of the Premier League, and the Crystal Palace man mentioned a Brighton player.
What’s the story?
Well, Benteke used Leandro Trossard as an example, and despite the rivalry between the Eagles and the Seagulls, he found time to praise the 27-year-old.
The Crystal Palace forward said: “I think my strength was that no one knew me. I spoke about it sometimes with Marouane Fellaini, who also knew that before me. I was able to make the most of that period. These days, the expectations are higher with the young Belgians.
“On the other hand, when I see someone like Trossard play, I tell myself he’s a very good player, but that he might not have had his chance in the Premier League ten years ago.”
Clearly, the 31-year-old rates the £18m Brighton forward highly.
In truth, Benteke is right. The Premier League really did get a taste for Belgians around the 2012/13 campaign.
It was 2012 when Aston Villa signed the towering striker from Genk for just £7m, one year after Chelsea signed Romelu Lukaku from Anderlecht for £20m.
It was also in 2012 when the Blues brought Kevin De Bruyne to England from Genk – clearly, that was a golden period for emerging Belgian youngsters.
Forget Brighton, Christian Benteke must impress for Crystal Palace
As good as he was for Aston Villa, and in his first season at Crystal Palace, Benteke currently finds himself in a difficult position.
The £27m man has lost his place under Patrick Vieira to Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Odsonne Edouard has also jumped ahead of him in the pecking order.
In last night’s 1-1 draw against Norwich, Benteke was left on the bench as Vieira introduced Edouard and Jordan Ayew ahead of him.
He has only started 11 Premier League games this season, while also making ten appearances as a substitute.
With a contract running until June 2023, the ex-Liverpool man needs to step it up if he wants to enjoy next season at Crystal Palace.
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