David Bentley wants Champions League football. He wants to be an England regular.
We’ve all heard for a while now – ever since he refused to play for England U-21, and since the start of the 07/08 season you couldn’t read about Bentley without also reading about his ‘ambition’ to play at the highest level.
His work ethic is as fierce as his ambitions, but does Bentley have what it takes to make it in the Big Four? Let’s look at how he’d fit in the top four Premier League sides and while we’re at it, in Tottenham and Everton (the two sides tipped to be closest to a Champions League spot).
Manchester United
Pro: Strong English spine to the squad would help Bentley adjust quicker.
Con: Would be behind Ronaldo and Nani in the pecking order.
Verdict: Unless he has a Ronaldo-esque season, United would rather use the Korean Energizer Bunny and Fletcher / Hargreaves on the right.
Chelsea
Pro: The place to go for ambitious footballers who want to win everything.
Con: Remember Shaun Wright-Phillips? Bentley might be mentally stronger but whether he’s more talented is debatable.
Verdict: 4-3-3 or 4-4-2, Bentley will be behind / competing with 3 other quality wingers (Cole, Malouda and SWP) plus Kalou (4-3-3). Not a big enough name to attract Chelsea’s interest, what with the Ronaldinho / Kaka links.
Arsenal
Pro: Leaving players and the need for mental fortitude in the squad.
Con: Left Arsenal to further his career, would seem to be an awkward return (not to mention that the fans hate him).
Verdict: Fans may not like it but Bentley would be a good addition to a side that needs a technically-solid natural winger.
Liverpool
Pro: Need a right-winger.
Con: Rafa’s uncertain future means Liverpool’s future is uncertain as well.
Verdict: Liverpool need Bentley the most out of the top 4.
Tottenham
Pro: Already ahead of Lennon in the England stakes.
Con: Tottenham need reinforcements in other areas.
Verdict: Could be the type of signing (has the attitude and technique, at least) to mould Tottenham into a genuine top-4 contender.
Everton
Pro: A perfect fit in attitude and abilities.
Con: Everton lack the financial muscle to compete with other 5 teams on this list.
Verdict: A move would definitely push him to perform at a higher level, but it won’t take him (or the club) to the big times.
Where will Bentley be next season?
My bet is either Liverpool or Blackburn – I don’t see Ramos moving for him (unless Lennon leaves, and I think he’ll get another chance) and I don’t see Bentley being tempted by Everton.
Over to you.
After watching him every week since he arrived at Ewood, I would suggest he is over-hyped, mainly by himself, and wouldnt guarantee a starting place in the top 6 never mind the top 4. Goodbye and good riddance I say but sadly, I fear Hughes will stick to his guns and banish him to the bench or reserves.
I would have thought David Bentley was a natural fit for Spurs and I would have thought that Spurs were a natural fit for David Bentley. We need wingers with the ability to beat a man and cross to advantage. We don’t have one. Bentley is in the England squad (team) to do that. He is a must for Spurs if they want to move on. Not the ONLY answer, but an answer. We must sign him and it shouldn’t matter for how much.
I agree with Rayspur, he is a natural fit for Spurs. He is talentless, over-rated, big-headed and would fit in nicely with the other complete numpties there.
He could beat our reserves and win the mickey mouse cup again!
i agree there he could beat there res’s again, was it gallas toure fabregas walcott bendtner adebayor eduardo clichy and hleb if thats your res’s then who the fuck is in your first team. even your arsenal under 20′s done better than the first gettin a 1-1 draw then your first lost 5-1
NEWS JUST IN: arsenal are selling a cabinet thats dusty and hasnt been used since they moved in to asburton COYS!!!