After watching Jermain Defoe score five goals in Tottenham’s 9-1 thrashing of Wigan, Spurs boss Harry Redknapp described the striker as the best finisher in England.
Defoe joined an elite group of players to have scored five goals in a Premier League game when emulating Andy Cole and Alan Shearer in an amazing second-half performance at White Hart Lane.
Redknapp believes no other Englishman can match Defoe for composure in front of goal.
“He’s an amazing finisher,” Redknapp said. “When you look at England strikers, Wayne Rooney’s fantastic – a complete all-round player – but as a finisher, Defoe is the best out there.
“I’m sure he’ll go to the World Cup. Fabio Capello will see the goals he’s scored, the way he’s got stronger this season and is using his upper body strength a bit more and holding people off, and he will be impressed. This could be a great season for him.”
Defoe is now leading the goalscoring charts in the Premier League with 11, one ahead of Fernando Torres, and the striker attributed his performance to a last-minute change of boots.
“I had a funny feeling before the game,” Defoe said. “Adidas gave me a pair of green boots and I tried them on before the game, but Clive Allen said I couldn’t wear them, so I changed them. They were pinkish silver ones in the end, and I go and score five.”
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