I couldn't disagree any more strongly to be honest - he looked ok on the weekend because he did ok.. against the best centre half in the country. Made plenty of good runs off the back of him, one of which resulted in our goal. Benteke is completely incapable of making those runs in behind - he has the worst movement I've ever seen for a centre-forward at this level.

I don't know who is expecting Benteke to be world class, but I watch him in hope that he can complete 5 successful passes these days.

It has always baffled me that we never play the ball over the top, or down the channels. Most likely as historically we haven't made the runs, or had the players to execute the passes. Even Wilf with his pace wants the ball to feet instead of over the top.

A couple of great runs in behind by Mateta and that great chance from Olise. Feels like a dimension we never had before.

What a surprise! Any threat to your beloved Benteke has to be snuffed out.

I'm not sure if Mateta is our future, but I'd like to see him given more game time so he has the opportunity to show us whether or not he is. One thing which is certain is Benteke ISN'T our future.

Mateta still reminds me of Bambi on ice. He has improved a lot in last few games but I am still not convinced. I think we will play our cards very close to our chests. We will not play him enough to trigger the current purchase clause as on current showing it is too high. However We know his parent club want to sell and can't afford to take him back. So I think we may sit back see if he progresses and try and get him for less than the buy out clause possibly around £6 million. As I said on another thread he is an adequate third choice sriker with the possibility of progressing

Because your love of Benteke is legend and I, and quite a few others, (including it seems PV and his staff) haven't seen enough of Mateta to form an opinion. The fact that he's suddenly getting game time suggests that PV and Co have seen enough in training to think he might be the answer, but clearly, you know better. You may end up being right, of course.

Edited by doombear (25 Jan 2022 7.03pm)

1- Most would not agree. 2- Your such an east target

“That’s a joke son, I say, that’s a joke.” “Nice boy, but he’s sharp as a throw pillow.” “He’s so dumb he thinks a Mexican border pays rent” “ “Son… I say, son, some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.”__ Forhorn Leghorn