Christian Benteke says he is ready to form a lethal strike partnership with Michy Batshuayi at Crystal Palace.
Batshuayi joined Palace on loan from Chelsea for the rest of the season on transfer deadline day and he marked his debut against Fulham with an assist during Saturday’s 2-0 home win.
During his career in England with Aston Villa, Liverpool and Palace, Benteke has usually played up front on his own. But when asked if he could line up alongside fellow Belgium international Batshuayi — who is nicknamed Batman — in a front two, he said: “Of course.”
Benteke added: “He is a goalscorer and dangerous in the box, which is good.
“We have a lot of different options, which is going to be a headache for the manager.”
As well as Batshuayi and Benteke, Hodgson can also call upon Connor Wickham and Jordan Ayew.
Benteke is pleased by the competition for places and ready to fight for his spot in the team. “I spoke with Batshuayi the night before he signed,” said Benteke. “I said it [his arrival] is welcome because the situation [at Palace] wasn’t the best. Now he is here we have to welcome another player.
“I wouldn’t say that [I feel threatened] because we have probably been lacking in goals.
“We are four up front now, so it gives the gaffer a lot of options. But the thing is we all have a good relationship.”
Benteke, who is back to full fitness after a knee injury, believes the team look more threatening with two strikers.
“Now my body is free and I am fit again, so I have no excuse. I am feeling great,” he said.
“We look more dangerous. But the only thing is now we have to work even harder because we have to help our midfielders.
Meanwhile, Denis Odoi has warned Fulham fans to be patient with deadline-day signings Havard Nordtveit and Lazar Markovic.
“It is not easy to come into a team fighting for relegation,” said defender Odoi, whose side are 19th in the table and seven points from safety.
“But I hope they will give everyone a lift by doing well.”
