Christian Benteke’s hattrick against QPR on Tuesday night was extremely timely and importantly it kept a three point cushion between themselves and their opponents, who are currently in the relegation places.

The big Belgian striker could be the difference maker in vital games that keep Aston Villa from dropping out of the English Premier League (EPL) for the first time in their history.

Benteke has seen a return to form since new manager Tim Sherwood took-over at Villa Park in February. In his last six EPL appearances for the Villains, the hitman has scored a remarkable eight goals.

His power and ability to finish causes havoc in the opposition penalty area. He’s smart, uses his style to intimidate defenders and when Christian is at his best he galvanises those around him.

If the twenty-four year can keep grabbing the goals for the remainder of the season then he’ll surely do enough to keep Villa in the Premier League. That would obviously be great news for the Villains.

But his return to form could be a double edged sword because it will once again see clubs hovering over the Birmingham area, with the sole intention of signing the six foot three forward.

The player is about to enter the final two years of his contract and has stated that he wants to play European football at some stage. Previously Villa have intimated that they’d accept £25m for their prize asset.

Quite a few teams, who’ll be in Europe next term, could be on the lookout for a new striker.

Bundesliga side Wolfsburg have been linked with both Benteke and his Belgian teammate Romelu Lukaku. Benteke could be better value out of those two, in my opinion. While Liverpool, Tottenham, Man United and Juventus could also be interested.

Two European giants could look at Benteke as the man that can get them back into Europe elite competitions could be AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund. But could they afford the £25m fee?

Christian Benteke’s impressive forty-four goals in ninety-three Villa appearances in the past three seasons will always garner respect and attention. The fact he’s back scoring impressive goals, also shows visiting scouts that he has fully recovered from his ruptured achilles tendon injury that he suffered in 2014.

Tim Sherwood would be devastated to lose the forward and will do everything to keep Benteke in the Midlands.

This week the Villa manager said this about the Belgian international and how important he is…

“Christian is a key to our success because he scores goals,”

If Aston Villa could win the FA Cup and get into the Europa league, that could persuade the striker to stay on, even if its just for one more season.

A lot could depend on what happens to the club in the summer.

Owner Randy Lerner clearly wants to sell up and if he can do that then maybe the new regime could convince Benteke to stick around. If the American can’t find a buyer for Villa and he receives that £25m bid, then you have to think he’ll accept it!

Sometimes it’s better to sell your most valuable commodity in football, as you can then build a stronger overall squad. But could Aston Villa afford to replace Christian Benteke?

That could be the £25m question.

Posted on April 11th, 2015 by scott
Filed under: Article