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Wenger - Benteke such a threat for Villa

Arsene Wenger believes that Aston Villa have become a better side since Christian Benteke’s return to form.

The Belgium forward had only scored six goals in all competitions before April, but has struck nine times in the last two months to guarantee Aston Villa Premier League safety and a spot in the FA Cup final.

“He’s a player who has a massive potential,” Wenger said. “I think some of the bad fortune of Aston Villa this season was linked with the fact that Benteke was not there.

"He’s fantastic in the air and can score headers against any team in the league"

Arsene Wenger

“When he came back into the team, he gave a lift to everybody and of course he has a fantastic leap, he’s an intelligent player as well and he can score goals with his feet. He’s fantastic in the air and can score headers against any team in the league."

Tim Sherwood has been credited with the re-emergence of Benteke, and Wenger praised the Aston Villa manager ahead of Saturday’s final.

“He has done extremely well,” Wenger said. “He has lifted their confidence and got them to go forward a lot. They are positive so overall I believe he has done a very good job.

“If you analyse their individual quality, they are a strong team. They had a great semi-final and of course they have a quality, Premier League team who have a lot of strengths in our side. They are a strong opponent.”

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