Jermain Defoe somehow managed to score 143 goals for Tottenham despite never being ‘The Man’.
JD always seemed to be fighting for his spot with somebody else – an alien concept to our modern-day striking great – whether that be Robbie Keane, Dimitar Berbatov or Emmanuel Adebayor.
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And just when it looked as though Defoe was going to be given our attack to carry on his shoulders, we would sign another forward.
In a great interview with Sky Sports, which we have pillaged for clips, Defoe insisted that he never feared competition and always put the ambition and needs of the club ahead of his own.
But his feelings on new signings did differ over the years.
This was his first impression of Berbatov:
via ytCropperThis was his reaction to Darren Bent’s arrival:
via ytCropperAnd this is how he greeted news of Peter Crouch – whom he named as his favourite ever strike partner – reuniting with him at Spurs.
via ytCropperThese players may have been signed to replace Defoe, but the English poacher outlasted and outscored them all.
Garth crooks was better🌚