Why Tottenham Should Keep Hold Of Jermain Defoe

It seems incredible to me that Jermain Defoe is being linked with a move to the English second division this January, with Queens Park Rangers interested in his services. Okay, the Rs are likely to be a Premier League club again next season if they continue their fine form, but Defoe is a remarkable striker and in my opinion is worthy of a regular spot at a Premier League side.

It's not only Harry Redknapp trying to lure him away from White Hart Lane. Former team-mate Ryan Nelson is looking to tempt him into a move, this time to MLS side Toronto.

However, with only Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor to contend with for a spot up front, and the liklihood that the latter will be shipped out in the new year,surely Andre Villas-Boas has to keep hold of the little England international?

The same reports are linking Tottenham with a move for Pato, which would naturally have an effect on Defoe's participation, but he's still a fine player.

The 31-year-old has been used sparingly this term and is yet to score in the league, but he has struck eight goals in just six games in cup competitions.

He still has the pace and the quick feet and his composure in front of goal is still tremendous, but with Soldado coming into the club and AVB's preference for playing a sole striker he was always going to drop down the pecking order.

Last season Defoe struck 11 goals in 17 full games and 14 bit-part appearances. 

Report can be found here: The Mirror.

Comments

[TonyRich]

Last season Defoe scored 9 of those 11 goals in his first 15 apps of the season (up to 1st Dec). He has never been able to score for a whole season. Better to get someone with seasonal stamina. It is this lack of stamina that has restricted him to having only one top flight season scoring more than 13 league goals in a season. A record which is not good enough for a top six side. Bite their hand off.

[euanhusarmi]

What utter nonsense.

The sooner Spurs sell him the quicker we can move forward; the player flatters to deceive. I would wager he has more offside decisions against him than any other player in the premier league.
Last season between January and April he shot over 50 times, before scoring ONCE.
He is adequate for cup games, but in big matches he goes missing, and wins almost no headers playing as the lone striker, so invariably, when we are under pressure, the ball come straight back at us.
Been a great servant for the club, but time to put this old nag out to pasture.

[Joe]

What a biased view.
Composed in front of goal - Or more likely to blast the ball in direction of goal
Pace and Quick feet - There are faster players at the club and his age means a further decline soon.
He can not play back to goal or combine in built up play and rarely assists in a goal,
Often offside and too selfish or does not see what is on to pass the ball to a better placed team mate.
Are you sure you are not describing Suarez at Liverpool.
But Defoe is he still good to keep until a better player is found.