Jermain Defoe

Written by Dave Allan

England Player Profiles

Jermain Colin Defoe is a Londoner and was born on October 7th 1982.

Initially spotted by Charlton, who took him through his early paces as a youth player, it was West Ham who signed him up on professional terms at just 16, costing them £1.4m in compensation to the Addicks.

Manager Harry Redknapp probably regards him as one of the family, as the two have been virtually inseparable throughout their careers. Redknapp, who is a shrewd judge of a player, had him as a raw youngster initially at Upton Park where it was generally accepted that the diminutive striker had what it takes to progress to the highest level.

Defoe is a player blessed with pace, good control and instinct. As an out an out goal-getter his contribution of 21 goals from 42 games since he has re-signed for Spurs, (having again linked up with Redknapp,) from Portsmouth makes good reading.  However, he is a streaky type of player who gets them in bundles and he can then go a long time without scoring.

Defoe’s good club form has not been replicated for his country however, where his return of 11 goals in 40 games is somewhat pedestrian. The striker seems to be a confidence player and when he is on form and his team are providing him with plenty of opportunities he will take some of his chances. Defoe plays on the shoulder of defenders and is always looking for the half yard and quick control to get his shot away. It may be symptomatic of the way that England struggle to control possession or dominate games at international level that this type of service appears to be missing. Defoe is unlikely to start for England in the coming World Cup as it is more likely that Fabio Capello will partner Crouch or Heskey with Rooney, if he decides to play two strikers at all.
 

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