By ANTONY KASTRINAKIS
CHRISTIAN BENTEKE has revealed his pal Eden Hazard dreams of playing for Real Madrid.
Aston Villa strike sensation Benteke spoke openly about the Chelsea star’s ambition — and his claims will add spice to today’s clash at Stamford Bridge.
Benteke confessed Hazard’s secret in a recent interview in Belgium where he spoke about his relationship with Chelsea’s £32million summer signing that dates back years.
The two met while playing for Belgium at youth level — Hazard the provider, Benteke the target man — and have been close ever since.
Benteke said: “I am not surprised at Eden’s success with Chelsea — and he can do even better. He has the qualities needed to become an even greater player. His dream is to join Real Madrid — so I don’t see why he can’t join them in a year or two.”
This will not be welcome news among Chelsea fans who have taken the playmaker to their hearts since his summer move from Lille.
In fact, it will be particularly worrying given Benteke’s closeness to Hazard.
Benteke, 22, added: “We used to play together in Belgium junior teams. He would play No 10 and I was No 9 and there was an understanding between us straight away.
“He has a bit of fantasy about him and so do I. We are good mates.”
Hazard and Benteke have another big pal in Everton ace Marouane Fellaini. The Premier League trio are inseparable every time they get together to play for their country.
Benteke added: “Eden and Marouane are the two players I am with all the time when we are on international duty with Belgium.”
Hazard, 21, comes in for a bit of flak from his country’s media over his performances in the national colours.
But Benteke defended his pal, insisting he needs to be given time to work with his international team-mates.
Belgians place huge expectations on Hazard and see him as the leader of an exciting generation of talent that also includes Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany.
Benteke added: “People expect too much from Eden.
“They should not just focus on him alone.
“He will be able to make a difference and Belgium will be able to count on him.
“You must not expect him to do what he did when he played for Lille — he does not have the same level of understanding with his national team-mates.”
Hazard has spoken to Benteke about the huge pressure that comes with the whopping price-tag Chelsea coughed up to sign him. But the Blues wizard is up for the challenge.
Benteke continued: “He has already told me what his life is like with the high levels of expectation.
“He has been signed for many millions of pounds and he will always have the pressure of his price tag.
“He will forever have to do more than the others, he is condemned to always be at the top of his game.
“He realises this and he relishes the challenge. His fantasy football takes off some of the pressure on him. Eden dares to try things and is not afraid to face up to his responsibilities.” Benteke has earned rave reviews himself after netting eight goals since his £7m move from Genk on transfer deadline day.
And he will also be in the spotlight this afternoon as he leads the Villa frontline following his two-goal demolition job in last weekend’s 3-1 away win at Liverpool.
Villa boss Paul Lambert says Benteke will now have to deal with special attention from opposition defences.
He said: “Christian might well be a marked man. If he is, then it’s a compliment to himself and it’s something that he’ll have to combat if that’s the case.”
