Benteke expects improved campaign

Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke is confident that he can surpass last season’s goalscoring exploits.

The 22-year-old netted 23 times in all competitions during his first term with the Premier League side and, after retracting a transfer request to sign a contract extension, he expects to deliver once more.

He has already paved the way for another dominant campaign, scoring a hat-trick in the 5-1 friendly win against Crewe, with further strikes coming against Walsall and Shamrock Rovers.

Despite acknowledging the high expectancy levels resting on his shoulders, Benteke believes he is set fair for another strong season.

“I am very happy to score some goals already in pre-season,” the Belgian told the club’s official website. “I feel good. I feel really good.

“I expect myself to do better than last season.

“As a striker, a lot of people are waiting for me. The fans are waiting for me. So the pressure is going to be bigger around me but this is football and I accept that.

“I can take that. I am young. I am confident. This is part of football. You have to be able to handle this pressure. This is the life I have chosen so I am happy to take this on. I love it.”

Villa’s season begins with a trip to face Arsenal on August 17.