With the form of Chris Martin up forward - it is becoming increasingly difficult for Darren Bent to get any decent amount of game time off the bench.
It has been a bit of a difficult season so far for Bent in so far that it must be a frustrating time for the striker who is definitely better than sitting on the sidelines week in, week out.
Last season he hit an impressive 12 goals after arriving on loan but at the time he played a more prominent role due to Chris Martin’s devastating injury that derailed both his and the Rams season.
When he signed in the summer it was difficult to see a huge role for him other than cover or as an impact sub but you have to wonder if he content with that? Either way, one thing is certain, he is a massive upgrade from Leon Best as cover for Martin. Manager Paul Clement has always insisted it’s a team game which required a full squad effort - so over the weeks and months ahead Bent could well have an important part to play. It may be premature for us or even Bent to write his season off just yet. The strange case of him being left out against Brentford in early October, due to arriving slightly late, has perhaps made things more difficult for Bent but having said that I believe it was the right decision by the manager. Clearly though there are games and situations where he is the man to bring on, something we’ve only seen a glimpse of so far this campaign. He came on from the bench and scored a tap-in goal during the 3-1 victory at MK Dons back in September, which to date is his only goal of the campaign.
His last appearance came last month at the City Ground, perhaps he should have been utilised earlier in that match but other than that, there has been little need for his impact from the bench considering the form that the Rams have been in.
Martin himself has, by his lofty standards, hit a dry patch recently with no goals in his last five games, yet his start to the season has been tremendous with eight goals. On Friday night at Hull he didn’t score but he certainly played his part with some neat touches and general effort linking up with his team. I’m sure Clement’s fingers are crossed that he doesn’t pick up an injury like last season as it’s clear that Martin is the number one striker at the club. With some big games coming up and the demanding festive period just around the corner, maybe we can expect to see more of Bent. Despite being missing in action so far this season, Darren is a proven goal scorer who will no doubt do a job for the Rams if required.
For more of Nathan's articles you can read his blog at www.derbycountyfan.com and follow him via @ramscorner on Twitter.
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