Decisive Defoe Debut

Article by e-Spurs Correspondent Nathan Durec

Follow e-Spurs on Twitter here!

It didn’t take long for Jermain Defoe to make an impact in the MLS. By the end of the first half, he already had two goals, both of the poaching variety that he has become so known for. If this first match for Toronto FC was any indication of what they had bought from Tottenham Hotspur, TFC fans will be thinking that the price tag was well worth it. And Defoe himself was fairly happy with his contributions as well.

“To score two goals on your debut, it’s a dream.”

Known as an all-out striker, there were spans of the match where Defoe did look separated from the play. But that is also a gift; he has the ability to ghost in behind defensive lines and to not look like a threat until too late. The first goal in the 17th minute was exactly like this. Defoe was on the receiving end of a brilliantly laid pass from Canadian midfielder Jonathan Osorio as he split the two central defenders who were caught flat-footed.

The second goal came off of a forced error, but the pattern was similar for the English striker. Defoe collected an errant Seattle pass and hit a well-placed low shot from the top of the box.

The second half brought a switch to more defensive play for the Sounders, which limited Defoe’s chances. If an MLS side is going to shut Defoe down, the trick will be to take away the through ball pass to his feet. Take away the pass, and Defoe is rendered useless.

While it was a debut to remember, it remains to be seen if it will continue. However, TFC fans should be confident that their Tottenham purchase will know what to do with the ball if he receives it.

© e-Spurs 2014 All rights reserved no part of this document or this website may be reproduced without consent of e-Spurs

Share on Google Plus