| Name: | Christian Benitez |
| Nationality: | Ecuadorian |
| Date of Birth: | 01/05/1986 |
| Height: | 5' 6" (168cm) |
| Weight: | 10st 10lbs (68.0kg) |
| Position: | Striker |
Striker Christian Benitez became the club's record signing in July 2009 after signing from Mexican club Santos Laguna.
Blues fought off competition from top European clubs to land the Ecuadorian frontman, who is seen by many as one of the hottest prospects in world football, for a fee rising to $12.5 million.
The son of one of Ecuador's all-time leading goalscorers, Ermen Benitez, he attracted attention across the globe with his performances in the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
He also has impressed in Mexico's Primera Division over the last two campaigns, scoring 31 goals in 58 games after joining from El Nacional in his home town of Quito.
Season 2009 - 10
| Competition | Apps (as sub) |
Goals | Yellow Cards |
Red Cards |
| League | 19 (5) | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| FA Cup | 3 (2) | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| League Cup | 1 (0) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
