Several eyebrows must have been raised when Crystal Palace made a club record offer for Christian Benteke. Liverpool have just accepted a £27 million offer, which could rise to up to £32 million, depending on performances, for the striker who joined for almost a similar fee 12 months ago. Many were skeptical about Benteke’s decision to join Liverpool who were managed by Brendan Rodgers – a manager who favoured a passing style of football. The skepticism proved right, as Benteke never settled under Rodgers. Jurgen Klopp’s arrival did little to change the situation as well.
Benteke, though, could be a perfect fit at Crystal Palace. The Belgium international will no longer be a small fish in a big pond. Instead, he will be the focal point of everything Palace do. Of course, this will be a Crystal Palace team without Yannick Bolasie. The French winger provided an air of unpredictability which was responsible for much of Palace’s goals last season. However, Palace have been able to bring in Benteke largely because of the £25 million transfer fee received from the sale of Bolasie.
Benteke has always been a great player in the air. There are few defenders to prevent him from heading the ball into the net from a great cross. Villa made the most out of these qualities during the 2012-13 season, as Benteke came up with 19 goals in 32 league starts. Since then, goals have been steadily decreasing from the Belgium due to a combination of several factors. His season with Liverpool brought nine goals in 14 league starts, which is still a great record. Palace are almost certain to ensure that the team is built to take full advantage of Benteke’s threat in the air. His scoring record should be met with a remarkable rise this season.
Palace managed only a goal per game last season. It was a major reason behind the club’s relegation fears towards the end of the campaign. Alan Pardew knows that the club’s defence was not too bad when compared to the other clubs that were fighting against relegation. Palace needed to focus on improving their attack and they might have gone for the best possible option. West Ham paid a then-club record fee of £15 million for a similar player like Andy Carroll. However, Benteke is a significantly better option – although at a higher price – since he has a better injury record and is still only 25.