Sunderland star Defoe hails Fowler as he eyes his PL goal tally
Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe has hailed Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler as one of the finest finishers in the history of English football.
Defoe has his sights set on surpassing Fowler’s tally of 163 Premier League goals as he prepares for Saturday’s trip to Anfield.
The 34-year-old frontman reached the 150-mark with his seventh league goal of the season in last weekend’s 3-0 win over Hull City.
Fowler sits sixth on the all-time Premier League list - with Alan Shearer (260) leading the way.
“Someone like Robbie Fowler, in my opinion he’s one of the most natural finishers that this country has produced,” Defoe told Sky Sports.
“I remember his goals, nice clean finisher, not much backlift.
“If I can go above him it would be special.
“It’s a long way to go but I’ll just take them as they come. I always believe that each game I play I’ll get a chance or half-chance and it’s just down to me to take it.”
Defoe’s Premier League career appeared to be over when he left Tottenham for Toronto FC in 2014.
But he returned to White Hart Lane on loan and then ended up signing for the Black Cats in January 2015. His tally of 15 league goals kept them up last season.
“I’ve always enjoyed scoring goals,” he added.
“I’ve still got that same buzz. Even when I score in training I’ve got that same buzz.
“I’ve always looked after myself, I’ve always given myself the best opportunity of going out on a weekend and performing. I’ve always watched my diet, set the right times.
“As I’ve got older I understand what my body needs, when to train hard, when to sort of back off, and how to prepare myself so that on a weekend I’m flying.”
Source: Liverpool Echo
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