Darren Bent

Darren Bent is a striker of Aston Villa. He was born on 6 February 1984 in Tooting, England.

Bent’s youth career took off in the mid-90s, when he joined the youth team of Godmanchester Rovers and spent several years with it. The footballer managed to adapt to the academy life and participate in the matches of junior championship during that time. In 1998 the young striker drew the attention of Ipswich Town. The club offered Darren a move to their academy and the footballer did not miss such kind of an opportunity, accepting the offer and staying in the youth system for another three years.

In 2001 Bent moved to the main team of Ipswich Town, where he had four great seasons. The head coach trusted in the young footballer’s potential and let him take part almost in every match with the starting eleven. Darren made 122 appearances and amassed 48 goals, becoming one of the most efficient players of ‘The Tractor Boys’.

After Darren ended his spell with Ipswich Town in 2005, he decided to continue his career in Charlton Athletic and netted 31 goals in 68 fixtures for the club during two seasons. London side Tottenham failed to pass by a chance to seal a deal with Bent, according to which he performed for the new club during two years. From 2007 till 2009, the footballer featured in 60 games and netted 18 goals for Spurs.

In 2009 Sunderland secured the services of the English striker and made him the anchor player of the attacking line. Darren managed to kick 32 goals in 58 fixtures and got an opportunity to return to the Premier League. Aston Villa offered the footballer a lucrative contract and tied up a deal with him in the summer 2011. Bent showed confident performance during the 2011/2012 season by making 38 appearances and chipping in 18 goals.

After another successfull year with Villa Bent was loaned to Fulham for 2013/2014 season.

Darren was capped more than 30 times and contributed about 20 goals for the England national U-15, U-16, U-17, U-19 and U-21 teams. From 2006, he took part in 13 games and went on to net four times for the full Three Lions.