Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke doesn’t feel threatened by the arrival of Michy Batshuayi and instead welcomes the opportunity to play alongside his countryman.
Benteke, who started his first game since September 1st in Palace’s 2-0 win over Fulham on Saturday, said the arrival of the Chelsea forward on loan offers manager Roy Hodgson more options in the department where the Eagles have struggled.
“I wouldn’t say I feel threatened because we have probably been lacking in goals,” said the 28-year-old.
“At the same time too, we are in the Premier League so you have to accept everything. That is the case now because the gaffer and the chairman want us to not be where we are now but even higher.
“I think it is fair from them.”
READ: Hodgson praise for Jeffrey Schlupp's form
Benteke played for 70 minutes in the victory and was involved with the opening goal.
Contesting with Cyrus Christie, the Fulham full-back was adjudged to have handled Andros Townsend’s cross in the box, before Luka Milivojevic converted from the spot.
The former Liverpool man nearly scored himself but he saw his sublime overhead kick go agonisingly over, clipping the crossbar on it’s way.
Speaking of his return to the team the striker said his confidence is slowly returning.
“I am feeling great, now my body is free and I am fit again, I have no excuse.
“I enjoyed myself, but it has just been about waiting (for my chance) because I have worked so hard to be back out there.
“I was just a little bit anxious about my body because obviously I didn’t play for a long time. But I knew that I was going to be fit and ready.”
Batshuayi made his bow with ten minutes to go and was involved in Palace’s second.
Showing great footwork to manufacture an opening, his effort could only be parried by Sergio Rico leaving a simple tap in for Jeffrey Schlupp to seal the tie.
Asked if he could form a partnership with the 25-year-old, Benteke said:
“Of course we can play together.
“He is a goal scorer, he is a player who is always going to be dangerous in the box - which is good.
“We have got a lot of different options, which I think for the manager is going to be a headache for him.”
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