Niall Quinn thought Christian Benteke could reach the heights of Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer during his prolific run at Aston Villa.
Former England goalscorer Shearer finished his career with 260 Premier League goals – 66 more than any other player in the top-flight.
And Quinn, who made over 200 appearances for both Sunderland and Manchester City, has revealed he had high hopes for Benteke while he was at Villa Park.
The 49-year-old told Sky Sports: “When I saw Benteke play for Aston Villa I thought he was the best centre-forward to play in the Premier League in that sort of role since [Alan] Shearer, I really thought that.”
Belgium international Benteke scored 42 goals in 89 league games for Villa before sealing a £32.5m move to Liverpool.
The 25-year-old fell down the pecking order after Jurgen Klopp’s appointment as manager – Benteke only scored three goals in 2016.
But Quinn believes the talisman’s move to Crystal Palace can spark a revival of form.
Picture: CPFC
He added: “The Liverpool spell hasn’t worked out, but he’ll spread his wings now because he’s really appreciated [at Palace], he now has a manager who is thrilled to have him there and I think that will mean so much to him.
“He’s going to find his wings again and they’re getting the balls in to the box for one of the best headers of the ball in the Premier League and if it starts to work they’ll make progress.”
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