Christian Benteke credits Tim Sherwood for impressive form

Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke has credited manager Tim Sherwood for his impressive turnaround in form.

Sherwood's men meet Liverpool at Wembley this afternoon for a chance to play Arsenal in the FA Cup final on May 30, and the Belgium international, who has hit eight goals in his last six appearances, says that his boss has been key since his arrival in February.

He told BT Sport: "I still have pressure, but I prefer to have pressure by scoring than not scoring. It becomes frustrating when you don't score.

"Earlier in the season, I was not fit enough, because I coming back from injury and I couldn't perform like I could. [Sherwood told me] I have to play without fear, and freedom. Mentally I am stronger, because of him.

"We play more directly and we have to play to our strengths, with the pace of Gabby [Agbonlahor] and my strength. I need to be more aggressive on the pitch. I have a lot of belief in myself."

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