Whether Defoe being part of the England squad would have made any difference has been the subject of intense press speculation. As a Spurs fan I find it a strange feeling to admit I really don’t think it would have made any difference. England in the final analysis lack that magical ingredient Martin Jol always refers to – ‘A winning mentality’ .So now what for Jermain? How will the next he fare in the next season? I predict he’ll be back, I just hope it’s with Spurs.
Before we signed Defoe it was easy, we had Robbie,we loved him, a typical Spurs player of the last 20 years, all flair and skill, masking a lower goal to game ratio. We signed Defoe and things changed. I remember thinking ‘why have we done this?’ but his ruthless streak in front of goal soon made me sit up and notice. It had been so long since I had seen such a ruthless striker at Spurs and I had forgotten what it was like.
Defoe went on to deliver on the early promise, finishing 04/05 season with 20+ goals and performances in an England shirt that started whispers of replacing Owen, and a bid of over �20m from Chelsea was only a matter of time. Robbie was heading out of the door we all thought in the Jan 06 transfer window.
Then it all changed.
Robbie took his bad medicine and woke up and Jermain started a slide so long I wonder if he thinks he has stopped yet. Strange thing is I don’t think he has played to badly in games towards the end of the season. It was clear Jermain was trying to show the world (cup) he was a team player, but the ‘fire’ had to some extent gone. Robbie went from strength to strength, securing the vice-captaincy, top-scorer and everyone’s player of the season with the ease of a great player in white hot form.
But is Robbie a striker?
Now we look ahead with real optimism for the coming season. Secretly Middlesbrough’s progress in the UEFA Cup last season has us all planning trips to the more recognisable cities of Europe in the latter stages. But what of our strikers?
I hope MJ finds room for Defoe. This guy has something to prove to the whole country and my bet is he has spent his whole life gaining strength from adversity. Perhaps the experience and pain of the last few weeks can be turned into real energy for the good of Spurs and England. When Defoe is firing he’s the best pure striker I’ve seen at the lane since Lineker.
What do you think?
Come on you Spurs..Adamw1991
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