Is Darren Bent being frozen out? (Video)

Paul Lambert may claim there is nothing untoward behind Darren Bent’s absence from his side, but something is not right.

Aston Villa smashed their transfer record in January 2011 by signing Bent from Sunderland for an initial £18 million that could potentially rise to £24 million.  Their desperate need for a goal-scorer sanctioned the move, with the striker ultimately repaying then Villa manager Gerrard Houllier’s faith in him by scoring nine times in just 16 league games.  This resulted in Bent becoming the club’s joint top scorer that season, despite playing less than half the games.

The England international’s current ratio for Villa in the league is not far off a goal every other game, yet presently he is being left out by former Norwich City manager Lambert.  The Scotsman continues to be questioned about Bent’s omission, but insists that he does not have a problem with the club’s record signing and that he simply has to make use of his whole squad.

After arriving on transfer deadline day, Belgium international Christian Benteke is now beginning to settle at the club, having scored five goals in 13 appearances for Villa.  The young striker has mostly partnered Gabriel Agbonlahor up front, who is regaining his best form for the club under Lambert with four in nine so far this season.

Only a point outside the relegation zone, Paul Lambert’s side aren’t out of trouble yet.  Approaching a hectic set of winter fixtures, it is important that Villa do not freeze Darren Bent out.

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Comments

[Pete Rosie]

I believe the transfer from sunderland now means that the 50 game milestone leaves villa owing 7m as a further payment. He is now very close to that and it is Lerner thats keeping him frozen out. Paul Lambert would gladly include Benty in his team. Why doesnt Lerner just sell him to QPR so he can save them at our expense and see us relegated. I know for a fact if that was allowed to happen you would se thousands of empty seats at V park. Its a false economy and a high risk strategy. I thought this bloke was going to be our saviour but hes just a mercenary who bought the club on the cheap and will strip it of its pride . The Cleveland Brown fans despise him and the villa fans will head the same way.

[Pete Rosie]

I believe the transfer from sunderland now means that the 50 game milestone leaves villa owing 7m as a further payment. He is now very close to that and it is Lerner thats keeping him frozen out. Paul Lambert would gladly include Benty in his team. Why doesnt Lerner just sell him to QPR so he can save them at our expense and see us relegated. I know for a fact if that was allowed to happen you would se thousands of empty seats at V park. Its a false economy and a high risk strategy. I thought this bloke was going to be our saviour but hes just a mercenary who bought the club on the cheap and will strip it of its pride . The Cleveland Brown fans despise him and the villa fans will head the same way.