|
|
Benteke is one of Aston Villa's best signings in years, says Guzan
Mar 14, 2013 11:50:00 AM
The American goalkeeper has hailed the impact made by the €8.5 million signing from Genk, who has bagged 16 goals in all competitions since his summer switch to the Premier League
Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan has hailed the impact made by Christian Benteke since his €8.5 million move from Genk in the summer.The Belgium striker has notched 16 goals in all competitions so far this season, helping lift the relegation-threatened Villans to 17th in the Premier League.
And, ahead of Saturday's visit of fellow relegation rivals QPR, Guzan believes Benteke ranks among the club's best signings in recent years.
"I can't think of a player at this club over the past few years who has made such an initial impact," Guzan told the club's official website. "He's been absolutely massive for us.
"He has really exploded on to the scene for Villa. From the first minute, he's been fantastic. He's great in training. He works incredibly hard in training and he transitions all his skills from the training ground during the week on to Villa Park at the weekend.
"His best is yet to come, definitely. He's only young and he's still learning. He's also getting used to the Barclays Premier League after several seasons in Belgium. That takes time - not that you'd think it from his form over the past few months."
Guzan claims that there is more to Benteke than his sheer physicality, praising his skill with the ball at his feet as well as his aerial prowess.
"He has terrific ability at relieving pressure by holding the ball up," the American enthused. "It's not only his ability in the air. He has real skill with his feet too.
"His link-up play and his ability to bring other players into the game has been phenomenal."
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets |
|
| Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached! |
|
| Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET! |
|
Related Stories
Inside Goal.Com
-
Player Ratings: Dortmund 1-2 Bayern
Goal.com rates the players on show as die Roten edge out their Bundesliga rivals to complete the double after a closely contested Champions League final at Wembley
-
Robben is finally Bayern's braveheart
The winger was the driving force behind the German outfit's triumph after years of playing second fiddle in the final
-
Pep has a lot to live up to after Bayern win
The Catalan coach was appointed in January with a view to getting the best out of the Bavarians' golden generation. But just four months on, they are already European champions
-
Top 10 all-time Champions League scorers
As the competition moves within days of its much-anticipated conclusion at Wembley, Goal profiles the most prolific players in its history
-
Top 10 Champions League Final Moments
As Europe braces itself for an all German classic at Wembley on Saturday, Goal.com takes a look back at some of the iconic moments in the history of Uefa's showpiece event since its rebranding in 1992.
