The Defoe Enigma

Article by e-Spurs writer Mark Viales (Gibraltar)

Jermaine Defoe is without a doubt one of the most clinical finishers in the game. With a little shimmy on the edge of the box before he fires a bullet into the roof of the net, give him an inch of space and he will punish you…

So why is it that one of White Hart Lane’s favourite sons continues to frustrate season after season?

His consistent “Bad Patches” where someone as prolific as he is in front of goal fails to convert so many gilt-edged chances plagues us year in year out, although it shouldn’t. We resolutely keep to the same transfer policy whereby we sweep our major problems under the rug only for them to resurface later on in the season.

Last year we needed van der Vaart’s goals, this year its Bale covering the gaps. What we need is a complete striker who fits into our system and will guarantee us at least 25 goals in the campaign. I do believe that Defoe is capable of this, although not if he is relied upon the whole season.

Defoe as a Lone Striker:

We have seen this work to great effect in some games, with Jermaine causing havoc in the opponents final third, (he has improved his closing down of the opposition) finding space and clinical finishing. There have been a far larger number of games where he has been isolated and ultimately a ghost.

Defoe thrives in tight situations in and around the area where he can best use his attributes, although when teams are tactically prepared for him, he often ends up on the losing side of most 50 50’s, his touch can be shocking and he fully demonstrates his inability to hold up the ball.

Defoe with a Partner:

We have not seen this enough this season, however, is there room for it in our current system? With AVB and even Harry we have mostly played with 1 striker and when Defoe and Abdebayor have played together, there have been mixed results to put it lightly.

We can look back a few years during a period where JD and Crouchy were not too shabby an outfit together, Crouchy would knock it down and JD would unleash a belter. He would make space for himself and often used the defender to mask his strike from the keeper.

It remains to be seen whether next season we will sign a top striker like Damiao or even a Michu to partner JD or to fit into our preferred curriculum, leaving Defoe to have a bit part role to play in next seasons theatrics.

Defoe in Big Games:

Why is it that Defoe goes missing so regularly when we are playing the top teams?

It is usually against the top teams where he struggles. Top class defenders are not so easily outwitted, except Kompany late in the game where he gave Defoe miles too much space, in the box no less…bad defending.

His big game decision making falls short in key areas, perpetuating natural selfishness on the ball and direct style of play, which are consequently punished when playing against the defending elite. Defoe gets away with this when confronted with lesser sides.

What now?

The reality is that we have once again left ourselves short up front for the here and now. Abdebayor has to be discounted as an option due to his Oscar winning invisible man performance this season, even though he did score a screamer against Chelski, boy does this guy frustrate me…even more than Defoe.

“All Roads Lead to the Champions League”, this is what will determine what calibre of striker we will see at the Lane this summer. Reach the “Promised Land” and we may very well see the likes of Leandro Damiao or Higuain (one can dream) strutting their stuff in the Glory European nights we are all so desperate to see. If it’s Europa League, we may suffer another agonising summer where the much needed firepower will not be acquired.

I firmly feel that Jermaine Defoe should see out the remainder of his career at Spurs, you can see how much the club means to him and his affinity to the fans shows a special connection, although we mustn’t shoulder all responsibility unto him. A lesser role in a stronger Spurs side next season might be best. I think we would all hate to lose a game changer like JD to a Stoke or Fulham and let’s be honest, how could lose that chant!

“Easy you go Jermaine Defoe!”

COYS!

Want to become a writer with e-Spurs and have your articles published on a Spurs site viewed over 50,000 times last month? We are looking for enthusiastic, creative Spurs fans from all over the world. No experience needed, Just loads of passion! email e-Spurs@live.co.uk or on Twitter www.twitter.com/e_spurs

Share on Google Plus