New Delhi: The former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker, Christian Benteke has been prolific this season. The 33 year old has managed to win the golden boot after surpassing players including the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in the race to become the MLS top goalscorer this season. Over the years, the Belgian forward has shown his class in the Premier League, where he made his first impression, getting his big break at Aston Villa.
However, now that it is almost certain that the forward won’t be joining another European side, he is now enjoying his time at the MLS playing for DC United. His team may not have had the best season, finishing 10th in the league, but Bneteke certainly had a wonderful season, scoring for fun.
Relive the journey of Christian Benteke
23 goals on the year 🔥
Christian Benteke: Golden Boot pres. by Audi winner. pic.twitter.com/TfGxLTkft8
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 20, 2024
Christian Benteke is still scoring goals more than ten years ever since he had his breakthrough season at Aston Villa, even though he will turning 34 at the end of this year and it’s likely that this is his final game in Europe. During his three years at Villa Park, where he played for Tim Sherwood and Paul Lambert, the large Belgian became a fan favorite and helped prevent Villa from relegating, which was ultimately the result of his departure.
Benteke scored 23 goals in his first campaign in England. While his haul of 11 in his second year wasn’t quite as eye-catching, Benteke returned to those previous heights in his final campaign, steering Villa to safety after the shot of adrenaline Sherwood injected to a squad sleepwalking towards relegation. It earned him a move to Liverpool worth in excess of £30m.
Benteke’s debut season in England ended with 23 goals. Although Benteke’s second-year haul of 11 goals wasn’t particularly noteworthy, he rebounded to his prior levels in his final season, leading Villa to safety following Sherwood’s adrenaline boost to a team that was drooping toward relegation. He was able to transfer to Liverpool for more than £30 million as a result.
The bounce back after Liverpool failure
3175. Christian BENTEKE
Striker – 03.12.90 – BEL (45/18)
Prem Debut:
15/09/2012 (ASTON VILLA vs. Swansea City, W 2-0 – sub 71 mins)Prem Clubs:
Aston Villa (12-15), Liverpool (15-16), Crystal Palace (16-22)Prem Apps: 280
Prem Goals: 86 pic.twitter.com/AKjmy0Aog3— Premier League Players (@premlgeplayers) October 2, 2024
After not having much luck on Merseyside, the strong forward would command a comparable amount when he departed Anfield. He started to produce for Crystal Palace, scoring 20 goals in his debut season at Selhurst Park. However, injuries took their toll, and Benteke struggled to play regularly for several seasons before he finally found his footing in 2021, scoring seven goals in 13 games.
Benteke, who was in his early 30s at this point and had lived in England for ten years, was obviously losing his influence. He moved across the Atlantic to play for D.C. United in Major League Soccer, and it seems to have worked because he is now scoring goals at a rate he hasn’t had since almost his first year at Villa Park.
Benteke scored 14 goals in his second season in Washington, but by the end of the 2024 regular season, he had returned with 23 goals, plus a few more in the League Cup. These incredible stats have won the forward another year’s contract with D.C. and the MLS Golden Boot for 2024, surpassing Inter Miami’s Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi, among others.
