Paul Lambert believes that Christian Benteke has proved to be the perfect signing for Aston Villa.

The Belgian striker has enjoyed a successful start at the Premier League club, netting ten goals in his first 23 appearances.

His fine form has seen former captain Darren Bent dislodged from the starting XI, a move Lambert discussed in depth with his assistant Ian Culverhouse:

“The football club needed somebody like him to play up front. Ian and myself were speaking to see what we could do to have a look at some things.” He is quoted by The Mirror.

“I know the Belgian manager Marc Wilmots as I have played against him and I spoke to him about Christian.

“We kept on persevering, persevering and then we managed to get him.

“The guy has been an absolute dream to work with.”

Many have been surprised by the speed in which Benteke had adapted to life in English football, but Lambert insists that he never had any doubts about hi £7m summer signing:

“I watched him in the Belgian team and he has more than held his own in that company. And Belgium have got a good team at the minute.

“What he does with the Belgium team he just seems to bring that (to the club). He has been absolutely fantastic for us.”

Benteke netted the last goal in Villa’s 4-1 Capital One Cup victory over Norwich.