Is it really so insane to suggest that England's best striker right now might well be Darren Bent?
The 24-year-old scored 13 goals in the pre-season, and we should have seen this coming (then again, playing games against the likes of Leyton Orient, you're bound to rack up goals, right?), but since August 31 (of course he didn't score in the first two EPL fixtures), he's been on fire to the tune of 11 goals in 16 games (all competitions).
I know, I know... this simply shouldn't happen. And yet, he's in the Top 3 for EPL scoring along with Nicolas Anelka and Amr Zaki, forming perhaps the unlikeliest top scorers list imaginable. What kind of odds would you have gotten on that in July?
The Spurs revival is down to Bent more than anything, although Redknapp's influence and ability to extract hard work from his well-paid midfield is also paying dividends. Right up to the transfer deadline, one had to wonder just where the goals would come from once Berbatov and Keane were sold, but so far, Darren f*cking Bent has answered the call.
Yes, he's still young, and yes, he had a good track record at Charlton, but his 2008/09 exploits to date transcend all these accomplishments. He's in the form of his life, right now. Everything he touches turns to goals, and with a friendly against Ze Germans next week, can Capello honestly turn him down?
Fabio might; he does have two other in-form strikers in Agbonlahor and Defoe (both with 6 EPL goals so far), and it's almost inevitable that the crocked ghost of Michael Owen will still get a spot in the squad somewhere.
I cannot believe I'm saying this, but Bent should get a nod, surely. Put him in with Rooney and let's see if his Midas touch continues. Of course Ledley King agrees.
So for now, in light of this early-Xmas miracle for Tottenham, sit back with a jug of wine and a bottle of Vicodin, and enjoy some Darren Bent classics.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Darren Bent: The Rain Man of Strikers
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4 comments:
would anyone like to wager that none of those three will be in the top three come end of the season?
Luka Modric is the most to credit (after the manager) for the turnaround. Bent is a beneficiary of his creativity.
@ Mike - I think Anelka could challenge for that third spot, as long as Drogba's head, elbows, knees and toes (knees and toes) keep him out of the lineup... but you are right that Bent and that big Egyptian probably won't win the golden boot.
Darren Bent is nothing more than a mistake pouncer. This purple patch will soon be long forgotten when the goals dry up and arry goes shopping in January. He scores when players like Richard Dunne forget he is on the other team and he has just 8 team mates. International defences don't make mistakes. No thanks.
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