According to Jermain Defoe, Eddie Nketiah made an unexpected summer request that put the Arsenal-Tottenham rivalry on hold.
Defoe contacted Nketiah seeking guidance, even though he is presently a coach at the Spurs academy.
When Eddie Nketiah contacted Jermain Defoe for advice over the summer, he acknowledged that he “thought it was a joke.”
Only Teddy Sheringham, Harry Kane, and Heung-min Son scored more Premier League goals while wearing a Spurs jersey than Defoe, who spent a total of ten years in north London over two stints at the club.
The former striker, who announced his retirement last year, has rejoined Tottenham as an academy coach and club ambassador, serving as a mentor for players in the Under-17 through U21 age groups.
That’s why he was taken aback when Nketiah, putting the rivalry with North London behind him, sent him a message in the summer asking to speak with Defoe.
Premier League Productions was informed by Defoe that “he actually messaged me on Instagram.”
“I believed that Arsenal and Tottenham were playing a joke. He sent me an Instagram message during preseason. He wanted to talk about movement, finishing, and other related topics.
“You know what, I like that,” I said, “because that young center forward wants to try and learn as much as he can from other players who have played that position in the game.” somebody with a desire to learn.
He can finish a task well. I think he’ll score when he gets the chance.
Nketiah scored his first Premier League hat-trick during the weekend as Arsenal crushed Sheffield United. It was a momentous performance considering that Gabriel Jesus’ injury will keep the Gunners without him for several weeks.
The England forward sealed the victory with a spectacular long-range strike, demonstrating his usual clinical play inside the box. Defoe was one of many who praised Nketiah for his outstanding play.
“I adore him,” Defoe declared. What an athlete.
“I believe he accomplishes everything you would like your center-forwards to do. He consistently enters the areas where he will score.”
