Christian Benteke scored only once in the Premier League for Crystal Palace last season and that came in his side’s victory over Arsenal in April.
Since then, the striker is yet to find the back of the net in the league and his playing time has been considerably reduced over the past 18 months.
Jordan Ayew’s arrival from Swansea City has seen him drop further down the pecking order, but that hasn’t stopped him from being picked by Roberto Martínez for Belgium.
Benteke scored a brace in a 6-1 win over Cyprus on Tuesday and afterwards the player expressed concern over his situation at Palace.
“It’s always different in clubs and national teams. I hope this game will restore my confidence and give me the opportunity to score for Palace,” he was quoted as saying by DH.
Benteke’s focus is to make it to Euro 2020 with Belgium, but he is aware a place in the squad won’t be easy, especially if his playing time at Crystal Palace is limited.
“Players who had less playing time were able to express themselves, it was important. If I played well? Yes, I cannot lie. The places in the first team are very expensive,” Benteke explained.
“I wanted to show the coach that I was there and that I was answering. I’m happy with my game as a whole, I really want to go to the Euros next summer. I work like crazy every day with this goal in mind.”
