Voetbal 24 has recently reported that Crystal Palace centre-forward Christian Benteke is gathering interest from Belgium as Club Brugge ‘would love to bring’ him to the Jan Breydel Stadium in January. However, it is understood that the Eagles striker is not too keen on a return back to his homeland this winter as he is prepared to stay and fight for his place at Selhurst Park (via Voetbal 24).
Benteke’s Sporadic Role At The English Capital This Season
Benteke has endured another frustrating season under Roy Hodgson’s tutelage as he has been forced to play a bit-part role at South London. However, the Belgian international left a real impression on his first start of this campaign last weekend when he scored two goals with two fine finishes to help his team secure a dominant 5-1 win away at West Bromwich Albion.
The 30-year-old has been involved in seven matches for the Selhurst outfit this term, registering two goals in the process across all fronts. He has failed to be consistent in terms of his overall productivity in the final third because he is only averaging 1.4 shots and 0.6 key passes per game in the Premier League this season. However, Benteke has been untidy with his ball-distribution after completing 66.7% of his attempted passes in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
What Are The Belgian Forward’s Best Attributes?
Standing at 1.90m, Benteke can use his strong frame to overpower his marker and win some crucial headers for his side. He has got a great leap in him and can hold possession up well for his teammates. The 38-time Belgium international can also generate a lot of power with his strikes on-target.
However, he has been woeful in front of the opponent’s goal over the past couple of seasons which explains why he is not a regular starter in Hodgson’s first XI anymore. At 30, the former Liverpool attacker would believe that he has still got a few good years left in him to rediscover his form at the highest level.
Should The Eagles Cash In On Benteke In January?
Benteke’s latest performance will give the Palace supporters some optimism over his future, so if he can continue to impress over the next few weeks, then Hodgson should consider keeping him at the club at least until the end of this campaign.
However, if Benteke fails to give a good account of himself during this busy winter period when the fixtures come thick and fast in English football, then the Eagles will be better off cashing in on him and using the money generated from his sale to bring in a suitable replacement during the January transfer window.
