Bentley Would Be Good Fit

Should the Revs seek to acquire David Bentley on loan? (Photo Credit: Sean Donahue/New England Soccer Today)

Tottenham winger David Bentley is looking to join Major League Soccer on loan and the New England Revolution would be wise to try to get him.

The 27-year-old English midfielder, who once garnered comparisons to David Beckham, could be a perfect short-term fit for the Revolution despite his recent struggles to regain form.

With the Revs youth and inconsistency on the wings, particularly on the left, signing Bentley, who can play on both wings, on loan for the season would seem an easy decision, but even a short term loan through the summer could make sense if that’s what the winger seeks.  Though Kenny Mansally, Ryan Guy and Kelyn Rowe can fill-in on the left, the Revs only natural left midfielder, Chris Tierney, appears to set to occupy the left back spot for the time being pending any new additions.

Bentley’s best season came in 2007/2008 for Blackburn Rovers, where he tallied six goals and 11 assists in 37 Premier League starts, earning a move to Spurs for nearly $24 million. After initially featuring heavily for Tottenham, a combination of injuries, a drop in form and the emergence of Gareth Bale at left mid have left the winger without a spot in the first team.

But while Bentley hasn’t been able to force his way back into the line-up at Tottenham, a team currently sitting in third place in the Premier League, he could be a perfect fit for a Revolution squad that hasn’t gotten double-digit assists from a midfielder since Steve Ralston in 2007. At left midfield, in particular, the Revs have essentially failed to find a consistent solution since Brian Kamler’s departure after the 2004 season.

Perhaps just as important as the role Bentley would fill on the field is what his temporary addition could mean to the rest of the squad.

Presently it seems likely rookie Kelyn Rowe is set to start on the left.While Rowe clearly has no shortage of offensive talent, the 20-year-old appears more comfortable in the center, as evidenced by his constant cuts into the middle. The midfielder will need time to adjust to the positioning needed both offensively and defensively on the left, if that’s where head coach Jay Heaps wants to play him over the long term.

Adding Bentley would not only take the pressure off the rookie, but it would also give Rowe an experienced veteran winger to learn his trade from. Bentley’s addition could also prove beneficial to the growth of Sainey Nyassi, Kenny Mansally, Ryan Guy, Zak Boggs, Ryan Kinne and even Tierney.

A full season loan would be ideal, but a loan through the summer could still prove valuable. Such a short term loan, allowing Bentley to return at the start of the Premier League, would allow Rowe to ease into the position and then take over full time in the fall.

Of course Bentley’s hopes to join MLS hardly guarantees he’d come to the Revs should they be interested. The San Jose Earthquakes, through its partnership with Tottenham, currently have Spurs forward Simon Dawkins on loan and would likely be given preference for Bentley. Should the ‘Quakes pass, however, the Revs would be wise to consider making a move to acquire the veteran midfielder.

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