'I would rather have Havertz than Rashford in my team' claims ex-Tottenham star

Suraj Radia

• 30 Nov 2023 21:20 GMT
• 3 min read

Former Tottenham striker Darren Bent has insisted he would rather have Kai Havertz in his team currently instead of Marcus Rashford, believing that ‘you don’t know what you’re getting’ from the Manchester United star.

Both players have been much maligned this season, with Rashford having scored just once from open play in 12 Premier League games, while Havertz has yet to live up to his £65 million price tag since joining Arsenal from Chelsea in the summer.

While neither player has showcased their best ability so far, Havertz has scored three goals in his last four games for club and country, leading to Bent’s assertion that the Arsenal man would get into his team over Rashford as the German has provided more goals.

“Right now, for what Arteta wants to do, yes,” Bent said on talkSPORT when asked if he would take Havertz over Rashford. “Currently where we are now, give me Havertz. I don't want Rashford at the minute. I don't know what I'm getting from Rashford.”

Bent was challenged on his point with the suggestion that Havertz had never had a season like Rashford, with the United forward netting 30 goals in all competitions last year, however Bent responded: “This is not the lifetime achievement award.

“Last season, after the World Cup, Rashford was unbelievable. I've not seen that Rashford since. Right now, give me Havertz over Rashford.”

Rashford and Havertz looking to bounce back from early seasons struggles

Rashford has seen his fall dramatically decline since penning a new, long-term contract at Old Trafford which sees the 26-year-old become one the club’s highest earners on a reported wage of more than £300,000-per-week.

The England international scored his first goal since the start of September in his last appearance against Everton, albeit from the penalty spot, with captain Bruno Fernandes admitting he let Rashford take the opportunity to end his barren run in front of goal.

Havertz, meanwhile, failed to score or assist in his first eight appearances for Arsenal, leading to his initial relegation to the bench by Mikel Arteta.

But the 24-year-old has started six of the last seven games for the Gunners, netting in his last two outings, having also scored for Germany against Turkiye earlier this month while playing in an unconventional left-back role.

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