Former Aston Villa, Liverpool and Crystal Palace striker makes MLS team of 2024 alongside Lionel Messi | OneFootball

The MLS have announced their Best XI of 2024, with former Red Devils Christian Benteke joining Lionel Messi as one of the forwards. The now 34-year-old has had a stellar season for D.C United, scoring an impressive 23 goals in just 30 league games. Benteke also helped himself to two goals in three League Cup games this calendar year. Since joining the US capital side back in 2022, Benteke has gone on to score 40 goals in just 74 games across all competitions. His contract with the side runs until 2025.

Benteke began his career in Belgium with Genk, with spells playing for Standard Liege, KV Kortrijk and KV Mechelen. After 21 goals in 51 games for Genk, he moved to Aston Villa in the Premier League. His first season in England was the best of his career prior to moving to the MLS. He scored 19 Premier League goals and 23 goals overall. He left Villa for Liverpool for the 2015/2016 season after 49 goals in 101 games. Benteke struggled in Merseyside, scoring 10 goals in 42 games and moving on to join Crystal Palace. He reached double figures for Palace twice before his move across the Atlantic to join D.C United.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson