Lambert: Benteke on the up

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert thinks forward Christian Benteke's value has risen massively since he joined the midlands club last summer.

Last Updated: 08/02/13 at 13:54 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Premier League To Stay Up 12/13. Click here to bet.

Christian Benteke has delighted Villa boss Paul Lambert

Christian Benteke has delighted Villa boss Paul Lambert

Villa have suffered a disappointing season so far and are 19th in the Premier League table but Benteke has impressed since arriving from Genk for £8m, scoring 14 times so far.

Such form has led to the Belgium international being linked with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United but Lambert says any potential purchasers would have to pay a very large fee.

"When Christian came into Villa, people were saying to me 'who is he and why are you going for someone from Genk?'" said Lambert.

"With what he's done, he's a cult hero already.

"He's only 22 and he's got years and years ahead of him. He's not at his peak, but what he's done for me and for the club is fantastic.

"If someone wanted to buy Christian, they'd better have a few quid in their pocket."

Asked whether Benteke's performances have doubled his value since his arrival, Lambert added: "Yes, by miles.

"He's not just going to walk out of here for the value he came for, that's for sure.

"We have given him the opportunity to show what he can do and I think he is loving his football at the moment."

It has been rumoured that Benteke is hoping to leave but Lambert said: "If that's the whispers coming back then it's funny, because he doesn't speak!

"I've not heard it, he's a cracking big guy and really humble. If he keeps that, he could be anything he wants to be."

Bet with SkyBet  Premier League To Stay Up 12/13. Click here to bet.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

m absolutely disgusted that I've been misquoted in saying that if a chance came up to join Arsenal I would be interested. What I meant to say is if Man United or Chelsea were interested......

gulliver
Agent cools Benteke exit talk

L

FC league positions and points from last 4 seasons - 7 (61), 8 (52), 6 (58), 7 (63). Werner calls it progress, I call it mid table stability.

kolev_lfc
Reds progress delights Werner

I

s there a PR agency covering Begovich, Odemwingie, Steven Fletcher and Grant Holt or something? Why would you offer a quote like that without having been announced by either club. #headsshoulderskneesandtoesgone

Havelange
Begovic hints at Liverpool move

Footer 365

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has signed a one-year contract extension

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has signed a one-year contract extension to tie him to the club until 2017.

Premier League: Michael Laudrup insists he wants to stay at Swansea

Michael Laudrup insists he wants to stay at Swansea - as long as they keep their word and strengthen this summer.

Transfer news: Liverpool's Martin Skrtel open to offers at Anfield

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel would seriously consider his future at Anfield if he received an offer from elsewhere.

Mail Box

Wayne Rooney Is Just An Average Athlete

That's the difference between him and someone like Cristiano Ronaldo - his body just isn't right. We have mails on him, Sparky, Brendan Rodgers and the Europa Lge...

Saving The Europa League And More...

Nice one UEFA, but not far enough. We have some ideas to make the Europa League better as well as more views on Wayne Rooney, Vermaelen in midfield and...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved