RealSport101 FIFA Advent Calendar - Day 16

The countdown is nearing its end, but the RealSport FIFA calendar still has plenty to offer!

Today is another throwback to a Premier League striker who struck fear into defenders for several years.

It has been a fall from grace for this cult hero, but we won't forget his unstoppable years in FIFA Ultimate Team.

RealSport101 Advent Calendar - Day 16

You get home, load up FIFA 14, and bang in goals with Christian Benteke. Life was simple.

Those old enough to remember will know just how good the former Aston Villa striker was in his prime, and he really was incredible.

Christian Benteke - FIFA 14

What a player Christian Benteke was when he first arrived in the Premier League.

After bagging 19 goals in his first season in the Premier League, Benteke followed it up with another ten in his second season with Aston Villa.

This resulted in an incredible 81 OVR rating in FIFA 14. Only 81 I hear you cry, yes, and it was insane.

Benteke boasted 82 Pace, 84 Finishing, and 90 Strength back in FIFA 14, making him a real handful for even the best of defenders.

The only players that can match those key attributes in FIFA 23 are Romelu Lukaku and Erling Haaland which gives you an idea of how good he was.

Career Mode fans found him useful too, as Benteke had an 87 Potential at just 22 years old.

Target Man

When Benteke left Aston Villa for Liverpool, much was expected of the powerful Belgian having scored 49 goals in 101 matches for Villa.

However, just 10 goals and 42 matches later, he was on the move again, settling down in South London.

Crystal Palace became home for Benteke as he made 177 appearances, although never quite matched the goal record at Villa.

Now plying his trade in the MLS, it feels like a tale of what could have been for Benteke.