Belgium boss says Christian Benteke has transformed since leaving Liverpool for Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke in action
Belgium boss Roberto Martinez has praised striker Christian Benteke, expressing that he is impressed with his recent transformation.
Benteke signed for Crystal Palace late in the transfer window from Liverpool, and has rediscovered his goalscoring touch.
The striker had a difficult season at Anfield and was sidelined by manager Jurgen Klopp after his arrival.
Benteke has scored three Premier League goals for Palace since signing, including a vital winner late against Sunderland.
Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke scores their third goal
His struggles at Liverpool saw him become merely a back-up at Euro 2016, but his form has him back under consideration for a starting spot for the Red Devils.
Martinez told Nieuwsblad: “He gets better and better after a difficult pre-season. He is a completely different player compared to the previous match break.”
The former Everton boss knows how good Benteke can be, with the striker scoring for Aston Villa past his old Toffees side.
Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke
Martinez added that he is considering playing Benteke up front alongside Romelu Lukaku in Belgium’s upcoming match against Bosnia.
Palace spent big to sign Benteke, and the player was fortunate that they chose to meet Liverpool’s high asking price.
He could easily have been spending the season in Liverpool’s under-23 squad or pressed into going on loan, but having signed permanently at Palace, with a coach who believes in him, Alan Pardew, he can move on and get back to his very best, and it’s no surprise Martinez is pleased with the result.
Football Soccer – Belgium v Finland – International Friendly – Brussels, Belgium
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