Karim El Ahmadi insists Aston Villa teammate Christian Benteke need not fear for his World Cup place with Belgium.
Benteke, 23, is suffering his worst scoring drought since arriving in England 16 months ago.
But El Ahmadi said: "I think he is there as Belgium's striker already - although I am not their manager.
"Because even if he doesn't score goals Benteke is still fantastic. He gives every defence a hard time and every player who plays against him knows just how hard he is.
"I am not sure if he was left out last week because of his form but what I do know is he has been absolutely brilliant for us.
"He has always shown that at Villa and I'm sure the goals will start coming again for him soon."
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