Defoe can take Ronaldo’s place, says Redknapp
Defoe suffered a foot injury in January and started working on his physique – then continued his gym sessions in pre-season, resulting in his explosive form at the start of the campaign.
The 26-year-old scored twice for England in Holland and followed that up with a hat-trick against Hull this week, leading Redknapp to back his striker to top the scoring charts now Ronaldo has moved to Real Madrid.
“At the start of the season I tipped him to be an outsider for the top scorer, he is capable of scoring 20-odd goals and it’s about time he did,” Redknapp said.
“With Ronaldo gone he can be pushing to be the top scorer.
“He’s up there with the best in the Premier League when he is playing like he is now. He’s so sharp – he’s lethal.”
Redknapp feels Defoe is no longer getting brushed off the ball following his work in the gym.
“He’s come back stronger this year and looks even quicker with the power he has built through working with the fitness coaches in the gym.”
Spurs start the weekend top of the table but face a tricky trip to West Ham at Upton Park tomorrow.
Redknapp was keen to play down Spurs’ start to the campaign but admits they will be pushing for a high finish if they improve their away form.
“Last year we had a great run and only lost one game at home since I was here,” he said. “If we can continue then we will be pushing up to that top group in the league. We will push forward if we pick up a few more away wins.
“The top four are fantastic and it’s very difficult to break into it. We’ve just got to keep going and see where we end up. We’ve had a terrific start.
“We’d be getting a bit more excited if it was after 18 or 20 games. It’s only two games.”
Ledley King is back after resting his knee at Hull, but Jonathan Woodgate, Jermaine Jenas, Michael Dawson, Gareth Bale and Heurelho Gomes are out.
Gomes’ thigh injury has seen Redknapp linked with a move for David James at Portsmouth but Redknapp added: “I’ve got Carlo, a fantastic goalkeeper. We’re not desperate but we’ll wait and see.”
Meanwhile, West Ham left-back Herita Ilunga will miss today’s match.
Ilunga has a jaw injury and is expected to be replaced by Jonathan Spector, while James Tomkins returns from a foot problem.
The Hammers are without long-term absentees Dean Ashton (ankle), Luis Boa Morte (knee) and Valon Behrami (ankle).
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