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Can Benteke keep Crystal Palace up?
Can Benteke keep Crystal Palace up? 2016 has been a year to forget for everybody associated with Crystal Palace. The Eagles have failed to inspire confidence in the Premier League, winning just 2 of their fixtures since the beginning of the calendar year. And if truth be told, some fans are beginning to get restless and worried about their top flight status in what could be a defining season for the club.
The only real sliver of positivity was their FA Cup run at the back end of last season. Alan Pardew’s side managed to defy the odds to reach the FA Cup final but came up short against Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United side at Wembley – and that was against a 10 man United side after Chris Smalling was dismissed during extra time.
However, that was then and this is now. Palace have to start looking forward and to do that, Pardew must build around new club record signing Christian Benteke. Last season, Benteke failed to hold down a regular spot in the Liverpool lineup but a link up with Pardew at Selhurst Park could reignite his career.
At Aston Villa, Benteke was on another level. The Belgium striker showed that he was able to win matches more or less on his own and he was a real handful for opposing defenders – both physically and mentally. You don’t lose that ability overnight, you just need the chance to showcase your talent and he will get that opportunity at Palace.
It didn’t work out for him at Liverpool but Benteke has kept himself fit and looks raring to go at Selhurst Park. If truth be told, the fit at Anfield wasn’t great. Brendan Rodgers struggled to incorporate the big Belgian into his attack and Jurgen Klopp’s arrival almost immediately signalled the end for Benteke.
Unfortunately, that particular risk didn’t pay off for him but it was a move to an historic football club that he simply had to make. And now, he will be the main man at Palace – just as he was at Villa Park. And to be honest, being a big fish in a small pond may actually suit Benteke a lot more than being a small fish in a big pond…
In a way, Pardew could follow the Jermain Defoe Sunderland model as he looks to make full use to Benteke’s skillset. Last season, Sam Allardyce used Defoe as the focal point and his goals were vital as the Black Cats avoided relegation once again. Benteke has the ability, the intelligence and the temperament to handle the pressure of being the main man.
Resting hopes on one player may seem a tad risky but it could completely change Palace’s fortunes going forward. The Eagles have already lost a few key components of their attack this summer but Benteke could step up to the plate. On paper, the Belgian fits their style of play and he should benefit directly from their attack minded wingers.
Palace are struggling for confidence and form but Benteke could be the difference maker as the Eagles look to climb up the table. If the Belgium forward can regain his Villa form and his teammates can create plenty of chances, Palace will stay up – they’re too good as a collective unit to go down. Feed the Belgian and he will score; it is as simple as that.
