Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert is convinced Christian Benteke can rediscover his goal scoring touch but doesn’t want to put too much pressure on the striker.
The Belgium international has managed just two goals since returning from a serious Achilles injury in October and is without a goal in his last six Premier League appearances.
The 24-year-old managed 11 goals in 28 appearances last season in all competitions and Lambert is confident Benteke can return to that kind of form.
Atletico Madrid were amongst the clubs credited with an interest in the striker prior to his injury blow, and Lambert feels Benteke’s form last season has increased the pressure on him during his barren spell this term.
“If I had Christian Benteke right on his game, performing when back from injury, I’m pretty sure I’d have a long list of clubs knocking down the door for him,” said Lambert.
“He’s had a dip in form, he’s human like everyone else.
“We can’t rest everything on his shoulders.
“We’re working hard to get him back to what we know he can do. It’s something we have to get him through.
“You don’t have the talent he’s got and fall that far. Everyone has dips in form, it’s more noticeable in him, everyone alludes to what he did in his first year.
“It’s something we’re working hard to get him back to his best.”
Villa are currently 16th in the Premier League table and are the lowest scorers in all four divisions with just 11 league goals to date ahead of the visit of Chelsea on Saturday.
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