We’re only a few games into the new season, but already Tottenham are looking much more potent upfront and much less toothless than they looked in attack last year. Though the introduction of Emmanuel Adebayor has done much to induce this change, the re-emergence of Jermaine Defoe has also played a big role. The fact that we’re even talking about the two players forming a good partnership is a huge improvement on where Spurs were with their strikers last year.
Over the summer, the general consensus amongst fans seemed to be that they had given up on Defoe and that they were ready and willing to see him leave the club if it meant the money would be spent on bringing another striker in. Don’t get me wrong, the criticism that was levelled at Defoe was largely deserved. Too often his performances were lacklustre and he didn’t provide Spurs with any bite or threat upfront.
But to get rid of him completely seemed a little hasty – after all, we all know what he’s capable of. When Defoe’s on form he’s better than the great majority of strikers that Tottenham could have feasibly signed this summer. Surely the impetus should have been on rehabilitating him and helping him find his best form once more? Thankfully that seems to have been Harry’s plan and the signs are good that he’s starting to get the best out of the English forward once more.
There’s been talk about extra training in the gym with a focus on improving his physique, but nothing aides a striker more than the confidence that comes with scoring goals. Last season Defoe simply didn’t get the goals he needed to cement his place in the team, to create positive vibes and to form a base for future success at the club. This season, the hope will be that he takes his good start and builds upon it, aiming towards achieving at least 20+ goals. We all know he’s capable of it.
I’ll grant that he did have a couple of bad misses in Tottenham’s 4-0 rout of Liverpool, but at the same time his creativity, strength and ability was on full display. He’s got great positional sense for a striker with pace and his movement is something that has bothered defenders up and down the country. It’s these attributes that Harry prizes so highly and they’re also the reason he wasn’t moved on this summer. His partnership with Adebayor does indeed look promising.
A confident Jermaine Defoe, along with a confident Adebayor and back with the creativity of Tottenham’s midfield will ensure that Spurs are a force to be reckoned with this season.
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