Jermain Defoe is back (Video)
Jermain Defoe scores goals. If you had to describe a player in one sentence, nothing more accurate could be said about the Tottenham striker.
Having recently stuck the ball in the net for the 200th time in his club career, Defoe is looking back to his best. And when at his best, he is arguably one of the most dangerous marksmen in Europe.
Capable of striking the ball with either foot, the England international has also been known for his electric pace, which he has used to terrorise the back four of many a team. Turning 30 last month, Defoe’s speed does not have the same intensity as in his earlier years and he has had to slightly adapt his game. These days you will see him use his experience and hold the ball up to bring others into play, which is not easy for someone who is barely 5ft 7in and weights little more than 10st.
In contrast, Tottenham’s other main centre forward, Emmanuel Adebayor, stands tall at 6ft 3in. Togo’s all-time top goal-scorer managed to keep Defoe out of the team for much of last season, being preferred by then-boss Harry Redknapp. Redknapp, though, who had previously managed Defoe at both West Ham and Portsmouth, utilised both strikers to great effect. Ultimately, Adebayor finished the season as top scorer on 18, after netting a solitary goal more than Defoe in all competitions.
Under new management in the form of Andre Villas-Boas, Tottenham still went ahead with the permanent £5 million acquisition of Adebayor from Manchester City. However, the former Togo striker is yet to play more than 45 minutes in the league this season, whilst Defoe has started every game, netting five goals and providing three assists.
Premier League defences be warned. He’s back.
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