Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson has backed striker Christian Benteke to make Belgium’s World Cup squad this summer, despite his inconsistencies in front of goal this season.
Benteke was left out of Roberto Martínez’ squad for the international friendly with Saudi Arabia this week, having scored just twice in 25 Premier League appearances this campaign.
Despite his troubling form in front of goal, Hodgson insists that there is still enough time for the big Belgian to turn things around and earn his seat on the plane to Russia. Hodgson said;
He needs, and he knows he needs, to play as well as we think he is playing, at this moment in time.
I think his form is very much on the up. If the national coach, Roberto [Martinez], was to watch his performance in particular against Huddersfield [Town], but also against Tottenham [Hostpur] and Manchester United, then he would be seeing the Benteke that he knows and has selected in the past.
I would defy anybody not to be impressed by the defensive work he did against Huddersfield. His hold-up play, his ability to bring other people into play, his runs and his movement were all the things we were hoping to see from him, I believe we are now seeing.
If he can add a goal or two or an assist to that, I am pretty certain that Roberto and his staff watching him will see the Benteke they know and want. All Christian can do is produce those performances to keep his club in the league and then hopefully that will be recognised by his national team and he will get a place in the squad to go to Russia.
Belgium’s next international friendly is against Portugal at the start of June, while the World Cup finals will begin for Belgium against Panama on the 18th.
