Tottenham Hotspur striker http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jermain-Defoe-c18359 has hailed the impact and influence manager Andre Villas-Boas has had at the club and on his career.
The Englishman was long linked with a move away from White Hart Lane during the summer transfer window. Defoe was understood to be unhappy with his fringe role at the club under former manager Harry Redknapp.
The striker fell down the pecking order as Emmanuel Adebayor was preferred in the starting 11, but Defoe still managed to score a number of important goals for the club. Defoe was the ultimate impact substitute, but he needed more playing time.
In the summer, the player admitted that although he loved Tottenham, he may be forced to move to another club for more playing time.
However, Villas-Boas persuaded the striker to stay put, and convinced him that he was a major part of his plans for the club. The manager showed immense faith in the forward's ability, and it saw Defoe rediscover his prolific form.
Defoe has started almost all of Tottenham's Premier League games, and the move has reaped rewards with the Englishman scoring 10 goals in all competitions so far.
The former West Ham player has looked dangerous in front of goal, and his new-found form and confidence has allowed him to make his way back into the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 national squad.
The player hailed the impact and the philosophy of Villas-Boas, and paid tribute to his attention to details and preparations. Speaking to reporters, Defoe said:
"He is a great manager, one of the best. He has great ideas and training is always good. It always has a purpose. There is always a different approach to every game and you can tell that he studies every team we play."
"In pre-season he said to me 'I want you to stay at the club. I want you to sign a new contract and I want you to score goals for me' so it's good."
"Even away from football he is a nice guy. An honest guy. All the players have said it."
Tottenham take on Fulham in this weekend's round of Premier League action, and will be targeting a third successive victory. Defoe is likely to start the game, despite the return of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Emmanuel-Adebayor-c12526 from suspension.
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