Defoe needs to work harder
Posted by Stewart Robson in England, Jermain Defoe, Premiership, Steve McClaren, Tottenham | 16 September 2006
Jermaine Defoe could be a top quality International forward if he worked harder at his game.
When he started his career at West Ham, and then Bournemouth on loan, he had everything. He could dribble, pass, finish, link up play and make contiually threatening runs. He performed these skills with great enthusiasm, causing defenders to panic whenever he received the ball. He also looked as though he loved the game, playing with a carefree attitude. Above all he worked very hard and therefore progressed swiftly.
Unfortunately, since moving to Spurs he has lost that edge to his game. He doesn`t make anywhere near the amount of runs that he should and his general play has deteriorated drastically. He almost looks as though he doesn`t enjoy his football and anything other than scoring does not interest him.
It is a trait which all England`s best strikers seem to go through. Lineaker and Owen were similar to Defoe in that their pace, mobility and finishing ability were their strengths, yet after getting success they began to run less and look unhappy playing football. As you get more experienced your technical ability should improve but in all three cases I believe this has actually reversed.
Although I am not a liker of Ian Wright`s character, he was a shining example of a player who continued to play with enthusiasm and determination right to the end of his career. Defoe must do the same otherwise he will fail to reach the level that his special talents deserve. He needs to get footage of himself at West Ham and study what made him the most wanted young striker in the country.
He is at a progressive club with great a footballing tradition, so he just needs to find that missing ingredient which is stopping him being a brilliant player.
Comments
I have thought the same for along time - Robbie Keane is the example he should follow although I doubt if Defoe have the skill or mentality to do so. Strangely he does a better job for England than for Spurs!Spurs thursday performance showed him as being the only one who didn't get seen very much the others worked so hard and a lot more skillfully than in recent times. As an example that evening he should look at Mido and the amount of defensive work he did - you can't critisise him for that!
I could not agree more, Defoe has become lazy, he doesn't chase or harass defenders as he should and unless it's put on a plate for him, he never goes and gets the ball. I went through a phase where selling Defoe was the end of the World, but in recent times I feel he is not the sort of player we need at Spurs unless his work ethic changes. In saying all that we all recognise Defoe's ability and perhaps given the chance more often his form may return, but he has to earn it otherwise I would be happy to grab £7-$10mil for him and we strengthen the squad.....COYS
