Benteke steamrolls his way to major award

After a series of dominating performances in April (and amid an overall incredible run of form), Christian Benteke claimed the Barclay's Premier League Player of the Month for April. All told, the mighty Belgian bagged 5 goals in 4 Premier League matches, plus another in the FA Cup semi-final win over Liverpool.

Benteke held off Stoke City's Charlie Adam, Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera, and Chelsea captain John Terry to win the award.

This is the first time an Aston Villa player has won the Player of the Month since Ashley Young won it in 2008. He is only the seventh Villain to win the award in its 20-year history, joining club icons Young (three times in 2008!), Gabby Agbonlahor, Paul Merson, Gareth Southgate, Dion Dubiln and Dwight Yorke.

Including April, Benteke has been on the score sheet 10 times in the last 8 Aston Villa matches, and his turnaround has been a critical factor in the club's survival battle. After a brace against Everton last week, Benteke will be looking to continue his dominating run against West Ham United tomorrow. If he (and/or fellow luminary Fabian Delph) can be on the May POM shortlist, safety should be assured, and Benteke's rumored £30,000,000 price tag could rise for potential buyers Liverpool and Arsenal.