Andreas Weimann has admitted he would always pick Christian Benteke for his dream team selection.
Bundesliga.at have an interview with the 34-year-old today. He’s looking back on his time in English football, including his time at Aston Villa.
Weimann is considered something of a cult hero at Villa Park after coming through their youth academy.
The forward went on to make 113 Premier League appearances for them, scoring 17 goals. His overall tally was 129 appearances in all competitions, scoring 24 goals.
He eventually departed in 2015, joining Derby County, before spells at Wolves, Bristol City, West Bromwich Albion, Blackburn Rovers and now Rapid Vienna in his homeland.
First season at Aston Villa
His most prolific season came under Paul Lambert in 2012-2013, scoring 12 goals in all competitions.
That year saw him form a popular attacking trio with Christian Benteke and Gabriel Agbonlahor, which continued into the following campaign.
In that first season, Benteke was the star man, bagging 23 goals in all competitions and 19 in the Premier League.
Weimann remembers it fondly, and as a result will always include his former Aston Villa teammate in any dream team.
“There were some really good players there,” he said.
“I only played a few times with Ashley Young and James Milner, who’s now the Premier League’s all-time appearance leader, when I first joined Aston Villa, so I wouldn’t even mention them.
“But Christian Benteke was incredible. In the season I played with him at Villa, he scored an unbelievable 24 goals. He would definitely be a part of my dream team.”
Aston Villa fans will agree
That is, perhaps, a choice that Aston Villa fans would not argue with. Benteke remains a popular figure at Villa Park as well. Indeed, some would label him their best ever Premier League striker.
His 49 goals in 101 appearances in all competitions certainly back that up, while that incredible first season is not one that will be forgotten any time soon either.
Weimann certainly remembers it fondly and it seems, 14 years later, it’s ensured Benteke a spot in his dream team.
