Jermain Defoe has revealed that Eddie Nketiah ignored the North London divide and messaged him during the summer for tips on finishing and movement.
Nketiah has been handed almost 700 minutes in the first 10 games of the season for the Gunners, partly due to his impressive form and partly down to injuries to Gabriel Jesus.
The striker has taken those opportunities with both hands, netting five goals in 10 Premier League appearances (TransferMarkt). Judging by his hat-trick against Sheffield United at the weekend, it appears those Defoe tips are coming in handy.
(Photo by Visionhaus)
Eddie Nketiah asked Jermain Defoe for some tips
The Spurs legend, who is currently coaching at the Tottenham academy, revealed that Nketiah messaged him on Instagram in order to seek guidance from an experienced professional.
It sounds like Defoe was more than happy to help the next generation of English strikers, although his day-to-day focus remains on coaching Tottenham’s exciting academy youngsters.
He revealed to Premier League Productions (29/10/23 at 9:10 pm): “He actually messaged me on Instagram. I thought it was a joke. Arsenal and Tottenham.
“In pre-season, he messaged me on Instagram. He wanted to speak about finishing and movement, all that sort of stuff.
“I thought you know what, I like that because that’s a young centre forward that wants to try and get as much from other players that have played the game in that position as he can. Someone who wants to learn.
“He is a good finisher. When he gets chances, I believe he will score.”
Spurs Web Opinion:
Jokes and rivalries aside, it is nice to see Jermain Defoe staying involved in the game. He had such a unique way of finishing, it would be a waste not to pass his knowledge down to the next generation of players.
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