da casino： This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
da doce： John Salako has been speaking to talkSPORT about his former club Crystal Palace – more specifically Christian Benteke – and he has some pretty damning words for the Belgian.
Salako – who made 66 appearances for the Eagles – hasn’t held back in his criticism of the former Aston Villa and Liverpool striker, amid what is a tough time for the 6 foot 3 forward.
Benteke has managed to score just four goals in his last 57 games in all competitions, netting just once last term.
That is a pretty terrible record, and Salako has echoed that sentiment and more.
What did he say?
Salako told talkSPORT: “There is talk of Benteke getting a new contract and I am just flabbergasted!
“What has happened over the last two or three years of him at Palace – and I don’t like digging him out – he’s been awful. I really feel for the lad to a point because he just can’t do it. It’s like he’s got his boots on the wrong feet.
“He just can’t do anything right; it’s amazing.”
Hard to disagree
Whatever has happened to Benteke, either physically or mentally, is standing out on the pitch like a sore thumb.
He looks tedious when making runs in the box. He looks visibly nervous when in on goal given the undoubted criticism he will receive if he misses – at the end of the day though, it is hard to defend him given the finances invested into his services.
Palace spent £27m on the 28-year-old, and have been paying him £120k-a-week since 2016.
For what is supposed to be an elite forward, four goals in 57 is awful as Salako states, and it is hard to disagree with the 50-year-old’s comments.
On the topic of a potential new contract for Benteke, Salako also has every right to be flabbergasted.
If Benteke’s form is what it takes to earn a new deal, then why would any player even bother?
Rewarding him for such pitiful form surely spike an upturn in goalscoring results following the renewal – it would be akin to giving a dog a treat for leaving a mess on the carpet.
You simply can’t argue with Salako’s comments.