'Thought it was a joke' - Jermain Defoe reveals why one Arsenal player privately messaged him
Tottenham Hotspur hero Jermain Defoe has revealed that Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah privately messaged him for some advice over the summer. Nketiah has enjoyed a solid start to the 2023/24 campaign, netting five times in the Premier League this season, including a hat-trick during Saturday's 5-0 victory over Sheffield United.
The 24-year-old's impressive form hasn't gone unnoticed either, with England manager Gareth Southgate handing the young forward his first-ever senior cap for The Three Lions during a recent friendly with Australia. Nketiah's willingness to work tirelessly on his all-around game has been something that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has consistently praised and ex-Spurs frontman Defoe has now hailed the Hale End academy graduate for seeking his advice.
«He actually messaged me on Instagram,» Defoe told Premier League Productions when asked about Nketiah. «I thought it was a joke — Arsenal and Tottenham.
»In pre-season, he messaged me on Instagram. He wanted to speak about finishing and movement, all that sort of stuff.
«I thought you know what, I like that because that’s a young centre forward that wants to try and get as much from other players that have played the game in that position as he can. Someone who wants to learn.
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE — Benjamin Sesko targeted, Odegaard injury update, Partey exit
Bukayo Saka not considering burnout factor but makes new Arsenal injury admission
»He is a good finisher. When he gets chances, I believe he will score.”
Nketiah was given a chance in Mikel Arteta's starting line-up after first-choice striker Gabriel Jesus picked up a hamstring injury last week against Sevilla. It remains to be seen how long the Brazilian international will be sidelined,
Read on football.london
