Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Jack Rosser

Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira challenges Christian Benteke to hit double figures after bright start

Patrick Vieira has challenged Christian Benteke to hit double figures for Crystal Palace in the Premier League this season.

The Belgian has been an influential figure for Vieira since he took charge at Selhurst Park and already has four goals to his name this season.

Benteke, 30, managed to notch 10 Premier League goals last season having managed just six across all of the previous three campaigns.

With the striker, who signed a new two-year deal at the end of last season, looking confident in front of goal once more, Vieira wants to see him race to the 10-goal mark and increase his contributions around the penalty box further still.

"I think I will be happy if he gets into double figures, I think he can do that easily,” said Vieira.

"I think it is a goal target and the assists that he can make. It is about the decision making, I think he can be better on his decision making and that will allow the team to play better and make more chances."

The Eagles face Leeds United on Tuesday night looking to bounce back from defeat against Aston Villa at the weekend but will again be without defender Joachim Andersen following his hamstring injury.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.