Aston Villa midfielder Leandro Bacuna is delighted that striker Christian Benteke decided to remain at the club this summer.

The Belgium international signed a new four-year deal with the Villans, withdrawing a transfer request in the process after being linked with a move away from Paul Lambert's side.

Bacuna told the club's official website: "We are really pleased, of course, because he's a really, really good striker. We need him. He's big, strong, a good finisher, a good provider of chances, he has good touches, it was important he stayed.

"Christian is a good player and a good person too. He's a great guy. He wants to learn and improve. He wants to show what he can do again after how well he did last season.

"He's striving to be better. He's a great guy to play with. As someone who wants to create chances, it's great to have him there. He's so hungry for goals."

Bacuna joined Villa from Dutch side FC Groningen last summer.