It has been a difficult time for Christian Benteke in front of goal for Crystal Palace over the past couple of seasons. The Belgian striker has scored just twice since the beginning of last season, and only five times since the start of the 2017/18 campaign. That followed a positive first season at Crystal Palace, with Benteke scoring 17 goals in all competitions in the 2016/17 campaign after his move from Liverpool for a club record fee. And Benteke insists that he has not been listening to critics of his performances, with the Belgian adding that he is his own worst critic.
Christian Benteke said: “It’s not a speech of circumstances, but I don’t pay attention to critics because I’m probably the toughest when it comes to analysing my performances. I’ve always been hard on myself and I think it’s more important than what people or football specialists can think. More globally, I do listen, but with age and two kids, you put things in perspective more easily and see things differently, and even if it isn’t always easy, you need to stay positive because that’s the only way to move forward.”
Injuries have affected the 29-year-old, who has found himself in and out of the team under Roy Hodgson in recent seasons. But he had started to find some form in the weeks before the Premier League was suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic, with Benteke scoring his first goal in ten months in a 3-1 defeat at Everton in February, and then playing his part in three wins for the Eagles in a row.
