Heskey hails Villa star Benteke

Former Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey has praised Belgium star Christian Benteke.

Benteke scored 23 goals to ensure Villa’s Premier League survival last season and reports for pre-season training on Friday amid speculation surrounding his future at the club.

Villa are keen to keep their star striker and former Villa Park favourite Heskey highlighted his importance to Paul Lambert’s young side.

Heskey, who is now plying his trade in Australia, told the Birmingham Mail: “He can be as good as he wants with his pace and his power, he hasn’t really got a weakness as such.”

Benteke’s impressive displays in a struggling team last term earned him admirers from across Europe.

“His hold-up play. His power and his ability to put that ball in the back of the net – everything’s been brilliant and he’s only 23,” Heskey added.

“So he’s got a lot more to come and he can be as good as he wants to be.”