‘The only difference’ – Ex-Sunderland star makes bizarre Newcastle United comparison

Bent was full of praise for Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes following the midfielder’s brace in a 5-1 win over Brentford last Saturday. But he then drew an interesting comparison between the Brazilian and a former Newcastle player also brought over from France.

“He reminds me of [Hatem] Ben Arfa,” Bent said on talkSPORT. “They always get these types of players that are a little bit maverick, but have got all the ability.

"I think the only difference between him and Ben Arfa is that he’ll be a little bit more consistent, whereas Ben Arfa would sometimes go missing. What Newcastle have done, the recruitment and what Eddie Howe is doing there needs to be commended.”

Despite talkSPORT host Andy Goldstein telling Bent his opinion was ‘bang on the money’, many took issue with the fact a central-midfielder was being compared to an attacking winger.

One fan stated: “Bruno is literally nothing like him. Different position, different attitude, different playing-style. The only comparison maybe that we love him but he is better than Ben Arfa ever was.”

Another added: “Comparing a solid, composed all-round midfielder to an erratic yet brilliant (at times) attacker. Like comparing Laurent Robert to Gary Speed.”

And one supporter argued against the ‘maverick’ label too, tweeting: “The only similarity between Bruno & Ben Arfa is they're 'pure' footballers. Beauties who shoot for the stars

“Their actual games aren’t that much alike. Bruno isn't a maverick. He's a consistently top class centre midfielder. Like Cabaye just better. Ben Arfa was Peter Pan.”