Friedel: Adebayor and Defoe deadlier together

Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel has claimed Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor are among the most deadly strike partnerships in England.

Adebayor returned to action following a three-match ban to help Spurs earn a 3-1 win over Greek side Panathinaikos on Thursday night, while Defoe also found the net.

Friedel said: “When we have played with two up front, Jermain has really thrived on it, as he can save his energy for when he is inside the box. That is when it really matters for us.”

Spurs could move ahead of Chelsea in to third if they maintain their good form tomorrow with a win over Everton at Goodison Park.

Having played alongside him for Belgium, Jan Vertonghen knows how difficult it will be to shackle Everton dangerman Marouane Fellaini, but he is still confident that Tottenham can return from Merseyside with a win.

“Fellaini is one of the big players in the Premier League,” Vertonghen said. “He is their most important player and it will be difficult to play him.

“But the way we have played the last three games in the Premier League, we can beat anyone and that is what we will be going for.”

The Toffees made a flying start to the campaign with four wins and just one defeat in their opening six Premier League fixtures, but a series of draws has seen sixth-placed Everton’s progress stall and frustrate boss David Moyes.

“Yes, I do curse one or two of those results we have picked up. [But] it is still quite early — we are not into Christmas time and a lot will change,” he said.

“So you don’t need to be right up there right away, even though I’d like to be.”