Is striker right to spurn Chelsea move?
Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke has this week requested a transfer from the West Midlands club but strangely for a person in his profession his main motivation does not appear to be money.
The Belgian international is widely reported to prefer a move to Tottenham rather than their London rivals, Chelsea.
This intention to put matches before cash and indeed probably medals is said to be driven by his ultimate aim of securing a World Cup place in his national team.
Whatever his reasoning it’s a welcome development at a time when an increasing number of players seem prepared to join big clubs based solely on the figures entering their bank account rather than the number of appearances on the pitch.
Without wishing to single any individual out, Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy would seem to be one such case (admittedly I haven’t done a great job of not singling any individual out).
The 26-year-old’s form at Carrow Road has seen him elevated to the England squad and coveted by Chelsea, Norwich apparently rejecting a £6m offer for his services.
That opportunity may now have passed given the arrival at Stamford Bridge of former Fulham shot stopper Mark Schwarzer.
This could be a blessing in disguise for Ruddy as other than a weighty bank balance and some possible medals by association I’m not certain what he would have gained.
Of course those rewards may have been enough for him and long term security along with honours you can pretend you contributed to, aren’t achievements to be sniffed at.
However, I find it disappointing that in a World Cup year an international player would be prepared to settle for a weekly place on the bench.
I could be doing the keeper a disservice and he could have designs on Petr Cech’s shirt and forcing his way into Jose Mourinho’s side.
I personally don’t consider this a realistic possibility and the likelihood is that his experience would emulate that of his predecessor Ross Turnbull.
This is why Benteke’s reported stance is so refreshing, he could easily hold out for Chelsea, get his massive wages, start a quarter of their games and potentially pick up some prizes come next May.
He appears to have chosen a different route, he wants to play every week and he wants to ensure that he does whatever possible to represent his national team; both are admirable objectives in my book.
Allen Whyte
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