Paul Lambert: Christian Benteke is "world class"

Paul Lambert has described Christian Benteke as "world class" following the striker's hat-trick in Aston Villa's 6-1 thrashing of Sunderland in the Premier League on Monday evening.

The Belgian's treble, which took his Premier League tally for the season to 18 goals, helped Villa record a victory that saw them move five points clear of the relegation zone.

"He's been absolutely world class," manager Lambert told Sky Sports News. "For somebody who has just come to this country, he's been absolutely brilliant.

"A great compliment for him is that I've always said he is a real, humble guy and if he keeps that, and keeps his feet on the ground, and keeps working hard, he can be anything.

"I thought for his goal from the corner he jumped the height of the crossbar, which was outstanding."

Champions League hopefuls Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a potential summer transfer for 22-year-old Benteke.