Charlie Nicholas believes Christian Benteke was the signing of the summer as the Belgium has “transformed” Crystal Palace since his arrival.

Belgium international Benteke struggled at Liverpool but has looked a different player since sealing a £32m move to Palace in August.

The 25-year-old has scored three goals in his last four appearances as the Eagles have climbed to eighth in the Premier League.

It was a hectic summer transfer window with high-profile signings including Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic – but Nicholas believes Benteke was the top buy.

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The former Arsenal and Scotland star told Sky Sports: “This is not just because Benteke’s scoring goals again but because he changes the philosophy of this Crystal Palace team.

“His presence in the box is something they’ve desperately needed for a number of seasons and gives Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend an additional option.

“If there’s a team that have been transformed by a signing then it is Palace.”

After a fine run of form, Alan Pardew’s Palace will be hoping to keep the momentum going against struggling West Ham after the international break.

The Hammers are in the relegation zone and have only recorded one point from their last five games.

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