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Why Crystal Palace parting ways with their 21-goal struggler would be a win-win for all

Why Crystal Palace must allow Christian Benteke to leave in January

The Sun suggests that Belgian striker Christian Benteke has admitted he could quit Crystal Palace in January for the sake of his international career.

The former Aston Villa and Liverpool man has seen limited game time at Selhurst Park and is frustrated with his situation at the club. He has managed just 21 goals for the club since 2016 and now seems to be on his way out.

The 28-year old is considered to be a part of Roberto Martinez’s Belgium squad as he scored 2 in their game against Cyprus last week and believes he needs more game time to feature regularly for his national side.

Christian Benteke
Christian Benteke (Getty Images)

Under Roy Hodgson in the league, Benteke has featured in 10 games but has started only twice for the Eagles this season and is yet to make major contributions for the team.

Though he started his Crystal Palace career on a bright note, scoring 15 across 36 league games under Alan Pardew, he has fallen out of favour this term. Jordan Ayew’s arrival from Swansea City in the summer has made it worse for the Belgian.

With the likes of Ayew, Wickham, Townsend, and Zaha to lead their attack, Benteke doesn’t seem to fit into the plans of Hodgson and has been on the bench for the most part of the season.

Christian Benteke
Christian Benteke (Getty Images)

He was at his prime during his time at Aston Villa and his move to Liverpool was disastrous. In order to revive his career, Benteke joined Palace in 2016. When everything seemed to be right for the striker in the beginning, a downfall this season has prompted him to send a warning to his club.

It would be good if Palace decide to allow the Belgian to leave in January as they have other players who are in good form for them. He hasn’t been given many opportunities this season and it may haunt him when as he seeks to play in Euro 2020.

In his 269 minutes of game time, Benteke has registered just 0.7 shots, 0.6 key passes and 0.3 dribbles per game and has made passes with an accuracy of 52.6%, according to whoscored. Strikers in the Premier League with stats like this may not be helpful for a team and Benteke’s numbers have been below par.

Christian Benteke in action for Crystal Palace (Getty Images)
Christian Benteke in action for Crystal Palace (Getty Images)

Palace, who have been linked with Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard, can do better with the Frenchman and offloading Benteke would trim the squad according to their needs.

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Verdict

Crystal Palace must consider Benteke’s admission to quit in January as it would make way for the club to bring in a young striker as a replacement. Benteke would also benefit from regular game time elsewhere, which could help him prepare for the mega event in the summer.