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Was Christian Benteke right to hand in a transfer request?

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BentekeWhen Aston Villa captured Belgian forward Christian Benteke from Pro League side Genk, whispers of “who?” could be heard not only at Villa Park but from stadiums and punditry sofas up and down the country. After all, Paul Lambert had splashed out the majority of his summer transfer budget on a relatively unknown striker on transfer deadline day.

And who could blame them? Even a modest Benteke commented back in September:

“Christian Benteke? Never heard of him. Seven million pounds is a lot of money for someone who is essentially an unknown quantity. I hope Paul Lambert knows what he’s doing.” (Source: FourFourTwo)

How they were all wrong!

The 22 year old who has carved a reputation for himself as one of Europe’s most promising stars due to his power and pace. Let’s also not forgettthe fact he has scored 19 goals in his debut season in the English Premier League, dubbed the toughest in the world.

And it’s now no surprise, that on the dawn of the new footballing season, Paul Lambert and his Aston Villa side are facing a battle to keep their frontman.

Signed for £7 Million, Villa look set to triple that if they indeed decide to sell Benteke.

However manager Lambert still remains hopeful of keeping his star man.

“While we’re hugely disappointed that Christian has put in a transfer request, it’s important that people appreciate we are trying to build something strong and vibrant here at the club, something this club demands and stands for, and we want Christian to be part of that.” (Source: ESPN)

Interest is set to be rife from all across Europe, but it appears Benteke would prefer to remain in England if, indeed, he is allowed to depart Villa Park.

Tottenham Hotspur have already been heavily linked over the summer, whilst it is also likely that Liverpool could make a move if the sale of their want-away striker Luis Suarez ever goes through.

One thing that is for sure, is the feeling of betrayal from all at the Midlands club.

After all, it was Villa who gave Benteke his big break in European football, but do Villa have the right to stand in the way of a player who has the ability and potential to play in European competitions and fight at the right, rather than the wrong end of the Premier League pyramid?

A move to Tottenham would certainly suit Benteke; a starting role would surely be assured.

After all, he is competing against the enigma that is Emmanuel Adebayor and the out of favour Jermaine Defoe in a role AVB prefers to play just the lone target man, a role which would be perfect for Benteke.

But then there is the argument of whether Benteke can continue the form from his debut season into next?

Prime examples include Nikica Jelavic at Everton whose 9 goal in 13 games was followed by just 7 goals in 37.

And then there is Andy Carroll! The 6’3 striker’s value more than halved at the end of his second proper season in English top division after a dismal time at Anfield.

Could the same happen to Benteke? No, is the answer.

At just 22 the man has incredible vision (the goal at Anfield), power, pace, and a good finish to go with it.

Unlike Jelavic, Benteke has an all round game as opposed to just the poaching instinct Jelavic showed when he signed for Everton.

Unlike Carroll, Benteke has the ability to play the target man and play the link-up man whilst also playing off the shoulder.

This man is the real deal.

He has proven that he can cut it against the best in England. Villa would see a sizable sum for a player who cost just £7 Million last summer and would be able to suitably strengthen other key areas of their squad as Paul Lambert looks to build on last year’s relegation scare.

Is Benteke a one season wonder or do you feel he could go on to become one of the best Premier League strikers? Have your say and comment below!

@CalThompJourno

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