14-goal attacker will be hungry to prove his worth to Burnley ahead of Championship return: View | OneFootball

The Angolan international struggled last season in the Premier League, but relegation may be a secret success.

After joining Burnley ahead of their Championship winning campaign in 2022/23, Manuel Benson played a key role in helping the Lancashire side to promotion.

However, a tough season in the Premier League halted all of his momentum.

Signing from Royal Antwerp, Benson quickly became a key figure in Vincent Kompany's Clarets team, featuring in 25 of the first 28 games of the season.

An ankle injury would keep him out of action for two months between January and March 2023, before returning to the team to help them on their way to the league title, scoring in each of his last four games.

Burnley had a range of options in 2022/23, with Benson battling against Nathan Tella and Jóhann Berg Gudmundsson for the right-winger role. However, the versatility of Tella, who operated on both flanks, freed the position up for Benson consistently - allowing him to start in 14 of his 33 games.

Despite a promising start to his career, things started to turn sour on the pitch following promotion, as Benson struggled for game-time.

Manuel Benson failed to make an impact in the Premier League for Burnley

After 14 goals in his first season in England in all competitions, the Angola international failed to register a goal or assist in the Premier League.

A number of signings made it difficult for the 27-year-old to lock down a starting place in the team - a number of players were favoured on the right flank, including Gudmundsson, Vitinho and even Lyle Foster were given preference over an individual who produced so many important moments the season prior.

He failed to make the Burnley squad 17 times in the league last season, with manager Kompany hinting that he could have left on deadline day in February, saying: “There was a little bit of rumours of him going away on loan and of course it’s normal that he wants to play.

“Tomorrow we will see how it resolves itself. If he’s here with us, then everything goes back to normal.”

Nevertheless, Benson saw out the rest of the season at Turf Moor, playing just four more times from the bench.

When he did make the team, he failed to impress. Only 40% of his dribbles were successful, while finding his target with a cross just twice. This was far away from his standards in the Championship, where he was one of the leaders in successful crosses in his position with 19.

Manuel Benson needs to replicate previous Championship exploits to avoid Burnley exit

Heading into his third year with Burnley, time is slowly running out for their once exciting prospect.

Although he signed a contract extension last summer, securing his future until 2027, another poor season could see him leave Turf Moor behind once and for all, after coming close to joining Hull City, Leeds United and Southampton on loan last season.

But, with Kompany's exit from the club, the 2024/25 campaign may be the perfect tonic to help get his career back on track.

Burnley are yet to appoint a new manager, however, ex-Lazio manager Igor Tudor has been linked with the vacant role, and his prowess as a coach could be the best way to get Benson firing once again.

A more advanced role could also be the perfect way for the former Genk man to reignite his form. Although he was signed as a winger, a lack of assists plagued his run in the Championship first time around, setting up his team-mates just three times.

Playing behind the striker could allow him to take the ball from a deeper position and run at centre-backs, rather than forcing him out wide. He was able to create 36 chances in 2022/23, and with Burnley expected to be challenging for the title once again, they will need his individuality to force more opportunities against their opponents.

Burnley will also need to promise Benson more minutes to rediscover his form, and with Gudmundsson leaving the club following the end of his contract, this may just be the chance for the attacker to force his way back into the first team.