Source: Daily_Mail
Growing gains of a natural finisher: Jol delighted to see Defoe develop
Martin Jol could barely believe what he had seen as Jermain Defoe scored the first of his two goals for England in Amsterdam.[LNB]Was that really the Tottenham marksman darting behind the Holland defence, taking another touch, waiting for the right moment before striking with the most clinical of finishes?[LNB]'Did you see the first goal?' the former Tottenham manager wanted to know after the2-2 draw. 'Jermain? He never did that before. Look back over the last six years, he could never score that goal.'[LNB]Double Dutch: Defoe excels against Holland[LNB]There was a hint of exasperation in Jol's voice as he wondered how far he mighthave taken Tottenham with Defoe in such composed form. [LNB]Jol, now in charge of Ajax, said: 'He always had the pace to get in behind and on to theball over the top. But it was the same story. One touch and then bang. He always shot as soon as he could, rather than trying to take it on.[LNB]'Yes, Jermain tends to hit the target, most of the time, but because he shoots so early, the keeper is able to save it. That was the first time I can remember when I've seen him take the ball on a bit and choose the right moment to shoot. He did it very well, too, a good goal. Maybe he is growing up as a player.' [LNB]Growing up? Defoe is 26. He won his 35th England cap in Holland. He is closing in on a century of Barclays Premier League goals. Yet, still there are suggestions he is too lazy and selfish to succeed at the top level, even though few strikers possess an instinct for goal like him.[LNB]England captain John Terry said: 'We did finishing in training before the game and he was unbelievable. He is one of the best natural finishers I've come across. So sharpin and around the box.'[LNB]Defoe certainly plays for managers. He has excelled at West Ham, Portsmouth and Tottenham under Harry Redknapp, someone ready to overlook what might be missing from his game for the reward of goals. [LNB]Defoe said: 'It helps when you're at a club and the manager shows great faith in you.'His goal ratio under England manager Fabio Capello is seven in nine games. Like Redknapp, the Italian seems to have found the formula for getting the best out of Defoe.[LNB]Capello said: 'Defoe is a good player. He shoots with his left and right. He is very fast and his movement without the ball is good. He is dangerous.' [LNB] Dangerous: Defoe beats Shaun Wright-Phillips to James Milner's cross for his second goal[LNB]Plenty can happen in the 10 months before next summer's World Cup finals, but Defoe is on course to banish the misery of his snub in 2006, when Sven Goran Eriksson omitted him in favour of Theo Walcott.[LNB] Defoe went through the torture of travelling to Germany as cover for Wayne Rooney, who was eventually declared fit. Defoe flew home and could not bring himself to watch on television as England reached the quarter-finals.[LNB]He said: 'It was a massive disappointment for me, I was so close. Hopefully, this time I can play. This is the best time of my England career. I've worked really hard and I'vealways believed that when you work hard you get results. [LNB]'I feel really sharp. I just want to go back to play for my club and keep it going and have a good season. It's still a long way from the World Cup.' [LNB] Old pals: Jol is pleased to see Defoe develop since their time at White Hart Lane[LNB]Right now, though, it is impossible to leave him out, even if his international future is destined to be in the supersub role. When Capello needs a goal to change a game, Defoe is the first person he will turn to.[LNB]'It's up to the manager,' said Defoe. 'I've always said I just want to keep myself in theframe and, if it means coming on and trying to make an impact, then I'll do that.[LNB]'Everyone wants to start games and everyone's doing their part. The manager's shown faith in a lot of the boys. I had 45 minutes and I'm happy with that. It's just niceto get out there and play for your country.'[LNB]Very mature. Grown up, even. Maybe Jol is on to something.[LNB] Defoe is suing Essex police for wrongful arrest and false imprisonment. He was detained last month on suspicion of driving while disqualified and claims officersignored his protests that an earlier six-month driving ban had been suspended on appeal.[LNB] James Milner jumps the queue: Villa winger wows Capello in AmsterdamJermain man: Supersub Defoe leads England's fightback in AmsterdamMartin Samuel: Time to just put a sock in it and play...Fragile England: Walcott worry sums up Fabio Capello's big fear[LNB] Explore more:People:Shaun Wright-Phillips, Theo Walcott, Sven Goran Eriksson, Wayne Rooney, Fabio Capello, James Milner, Jermain Defoe, Martin Jol, John TerryPlaces:Amsterdam, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, Germany
