Back to the Crystal Palace Newsfeed

Christian Benteke isn't Lionel Messi, needs help - Palace's Damien Delaney

Crystal Palace defender Damien Delaney has attempted to relieve the pressure on club-record signing Christian Benteke's shoulders by claiming the whole team has to improve collectively and insisting the Belgian is "Lionel Messi".

Palace have begun their season with defeats against West Bromwich Albion and Tottenham and failed to score in either game, a task that is expected of Belgium international striker Benteke following his arrival from Liverpool in a deal worth an initial £27 million.

But Delaney has warned Benteke will not be the answer to their goal scoring problems unless the rest of the team provides him with chances.