Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke has dismissed criticism of Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany over his gaffe at Real Madrid last week.

Benteke, 21, insists his skipper at international level will recover from that blip to become the best defender in the world.

Benteke said: "Everyone knows Vincent is one of the best defenders in Europe.

"But he is still only 26 and well on the way to becoming the world's greatest defender.

"He is good enough and young enough to become the best there is because his attitude is perfect and he always works hard to improve his game.

"I've played against him often in training. But if we meet in the Capital One Cup it will be the first time I've played against him in a competitive game.

"The thought of him marking me is a strange one because he's always been on my side before.

"But if he plays I'll do my best to upset him."