Darren Bent claimed he would sell James Maddison and keep Dominik Szoboszlai as he verdicts his ‘buy-bench-sell’ among his choices.
Choosing the best-performing midfielders has been a task taken on by football pundits since the start of the current season. There is an array of options in front, with Dominik Szoboszlai, Martin Odegaard, James Maddison and James Ward-Prowse all impressing during the first six games.
The absence of Kevin De Bruyne from this chat is because the Belgian maestro is currently sidelined with a long-term injury. However, the likes of Szoboszlai and Maddison have particularly shone in new colours. The latter recently had a massive impact on the north London Derby, laying down two assists for Heung-min Son.
Many believe Odegaard is better than Maddison in all aspects, with the Arsenal skipper yet to find his feet this season. Szoboszlai is also part of the conversations in recent weeks after some good performances for Liverpool.
Chris Sutton already labelled him a ‘veteran’ for how he has been playing for Liverpool. With two goals to his name already, the Hungarian is already tipped to have the long-term impact of Steven Gerrard by some. Although, many do recognise it’s still very early in his career.
Darren Bent on who he'd start, bench, sell between Szoboszlai, Odegaard and Maddison: "I'm starting Odegaard, bench Szoboszlai bench, sell Maddison.
"Szoboszlai and Maddison have been top, top draw." pic.twitter.com/S9ZWNyI0T8
— Rousing The Kop (@RousingTheKop) September 29, 2023
On Talksport, former Tottenham star Darren Bent got asked about who he would ‘buy-bench-sell’ given the choice of midfielders. The pundit chose to start with Odegaard, bench Szoboszlai and sell Maddison, as he jokingly suggested the latter’s performance against his favourite team, Arsenal, as the reason.
Bent said, “I’m starting Odegaard, bench Szoboszlai, sell Maddison. Szoboszlai’s been very good, plus I’ve just seen Maddison rip Arsenal to pieces! All three of them, well Odegaard’s not a new signing, but certainly Szoboszlai and Maddison have been top, top draw,”
In the long game, Odegaard has proved his worth on all fronts in the attacking third. Last season, the Arsenal skipper had 15 goals and 10 assists to his name and was one of the top performers in the Premier League.
Szoboszlai is yet to find his feet completely at Liverpool, although his talent is visible for all to see. The same goes for Maddison, who remains a seasoned performer in the English top flight. Former Spurs manager Harry Redknapp tipped him to have a massive impact.
When it comes to choosing from the current lot, Bent could argue he has his decision spot on. In a team, Maddison might not get ahead of Szoboszlai on talent alone. The duo are still some way from reaching Odegaard’s level, but they might get there eventually.
To be fair, Bent’s opinion may be correct. However it is annoying to see Bent continuing to bag Spurs or give backhanded comments on everything Tottenham. I usually avoid listening to him and to label Bent a Spur’s star is wide of the mark…ask Sandra Redknap (or Harry).