Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp believes Jermain Defoe should be considered right up there with Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney. Defoe scored his third hattrick of an already prolific campaign in last night’s 3-1 win against League One side Leeds United in the FA Cup, and Redknapp suggests the England international is on par with his more acclaimed international colleague.
The Tottenham manager intimates the Manchester United star is one of the best strikers he has seen in a very long time, but Defoe is not that far behind the 24-year-old Old Trafford talisman.
Both Defoe and Rooney have already surpassed the 20 goal mark this season with Tottenham and Manchester United respectively. Defoe scored his twentieth last night, while Rooney has already notched up 22 goals in all competitions for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.
Redknapp told the press after Tottenham’s victory over Leeds United: “[It was] nice to see Jermain (Defoe) get his hat-trick. He could have had six, he had so many chances. He probably missed three easier chances.”
“He is always a threat.”
“I signed him as a 15-year-old and used to watch him score every week from when he was a young boy.”
“He is up there with Rooney, who is the best striker I have seen in years, as the best front-man.”