Quote:
Originally Posted by Fortitude
Ashton is rarely 100% fit. Maybe saying he was 'prone' was too much, but the point remains that the fella always has something or other wrong with him.
He's got a lot of ability, in fact, I think he'd fit in here quite comfortably, but to date he has done nothing, nothing whatsoever, to be worth over £10m.
You compared him to Bent, who was prolific before Spurs got him and benched him, which suggested you were bracketing them together when they are poles apart to date in their careers and goal returns.
Ashton may have more talent, but the name of the game is productivity either through goals or assists.
The way Ashton is built and with how he's nearly always unfit, I wonder what kind of career he will have and how long he will be a top flight performer. That's my only concern with him.
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Ashton has not long come back after being out injured for over a year, it was always going to be a struggle for him to regain full fitness, he has done that now and he will keep injury free. The only injury problems he will possibly have will be impact injuries which are completely unavoidable.
Ashton is a proven Premiership striker, English which always attracts a higher fee, he is in demand and oozes skill. He is also a very versatile striker and can offer so much in any team.
When required he can be an absoloute brute yet the next mnute twist and turn his way around the defenders. He is able to head the ball well aswell as taking decent long shots. His positioining is second to none and he can draw defenders away easily, he can be used as a target man. I could continue but I wont. There aren't many players like him, he falls into the Sherringham and Shearer bracket.
In terms of Bent they have both achieved pretty much the same, he hasn't played for England yet but thats down to Wright Phillips. Come the Summer though that will change. Anyone who has seen enough of both Bent and Ashton will agree that Ashton is by far the better player. Here's a comparison
Bent Age 23
219 appearances, 86 Goals = 1 goal every 2.54 Games
Total transfer fee including possible add ons = 19.5 Million
Ashton Age 24
243 Apperances 91 Goals = 1 Goal every 2.67 Games
Total transfer fee including possible add ons = 10.25 Million
So Bent has been slightly higher but you have to consiuder the fact that Ashton was out injured for a long time and that most of this season will always going to be a recovery preiod for him.
Another fact to consider is that Darren Bent has a recuring knee injury which also causes him to have problems with his leg muscles. Ashton on the other hand has no recuring injuries.
Just to say it again Ashton has no injury problems, now he is back at full fitness after such a lengthy absence from the game he will keep his fitness levels up. Hehas done well enough to get back into the England squad and next season will be his best yet.
Just a quaestion who would you rather spend 17-18 million on Bent or Ashton? If you could sign either which would you prefer at Man United?