Redknapp calls on Defoe to lead top-four charge
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Harry Redknapp has warned that Tottenham risk losing ground in the push for Champions League qualification unless his strikers start delivering. With almost two-thirds of the season gone, Spurs have only scored 37 goals in 24 matches compared to the 49 they had amassed at the same stage last term.
While Rafael van der Vaart has made an excellent start to his first season by scoring nine league goals, Jermain Defoe, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Peter Crouch have struck just seven times between them. Defoe, who scored 28 goals for club and country last season, has seen his form dip this year and is yet to find the net in the Premier League.
After seeing a deadline-day bid for Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi fail, and sending Robbie Keane on loan to West Ham, Redknapp is keen for Defoe, Crouch and Pavlyuchenko to start delivering fast.
"They are our strike force now," Redknapp said. "We are relying on those three to produce the goals. Van der Vaart is the only man who has got his ratio of goals. We need the strikers to start scoring regularly as well."
Defoe's failure to find the net is the most alarming for Redknapp, who has been able to rely on the 28-year-old during his spells at West Ham and Portsmouth. Defoe's progress has not been helped by an ankle ligament injury he picked up on international duty in September that ruled him out of action for two months.
His manager insists he is not too concerned about the striker's goal drought and is sure that he is capable of helping keep alive Spurs' dreams of making the Champions League for a second successive season. "We are waiting for him to suddenly have that burst of goals that could make the difference to us," Redknapp said.
"If he can go on a run and score some goals he can take us where we want to go. We are relying on him. He is a fantastic finisher. Goalscorers need confidence. The other night he had a couple of one on ones that he would normally score [but] once they do start going in for him he will start going on a run."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments