Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe sets a 20-goal target next season 11:30, 29 JUNE 2015 BY JAMES HUNTER Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe is targeting a 20-goal haul next season - which would see him join the all-time top ten Premier League scorer please log in to view this image Dick Advocaat celebrates with Jermain Defoe at the end of the match after avoiding relegation Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe has set himself a 20-goal target next season - a tally that would catapult him into the all-time top ten Premier League goalscorers. Defoe returned to England in January after spending 12 months in Canada with Toronto FC, but managed only four goals in 17 outings for the Wearsiders as the Black Catsstruggled against relegation. The 32-year-old former Spurs and England man has set his sights much higher than that for his first full season back in the top flight, and he is determined to prove he has lost none of the lethal edge that has served him so well throughout his career. Defoe’s haul of 128 goals means he ranks number 11 on the all-time list, 16 goals behind tenth-placed Manchester United star Robin van Persie and 18 behind ex-Man U and Spurs frontman Teddy Sheringham. And if Defoe reaches his 20-goal target, he will move into the top ten. “People say you should always aim for 20 goals in a season and if I’m scoring goals it’s only good for the club and the team,” said Defoe. Sunderland are gearing up for their first season with Dick Advocaat at the helm, with the Dutchman agreeing to stay on after taking over for the final nine games of last season and leading the club to safety. Defoe says Advocaat made an immediate impact last term, and is backing him to do the same over the course of a full campaign. He said: “He just said from day one that all he wants is for the players to be sharp every day in training, apply yourselves and do the same in the game. “If you don’t want to do that in training, then you won’t play, it’s as simple as that. He doesn’t care who you are. “When a new manager comes in, it keeps you on your toes and with someone like Dick, who has been in the game so many years, you respect someone like that.” Sunderland’s pre-season programme gets underway at Darlington 1883 a week on Thursday, and Defoe admits he cannot wait to get going again. “During the off-season I always keep myself fit,” he said. “I try not to eat too much and get the rest - the season is so long - but after a couple of weeks I’m ready to go back, ready to train. “Hopefully we’ll have a good pre-season and we can start the season really strong.” I think he's dreaming myself. But if he can hit 10 to 15 I'd be very happy.
good luck to him, I hope he does it..................the bloke is obviously a top pro, you can't have enough of them around the place
Nowt wrong with a little ambition, and its a great target to aim for. But a little ambitious I think, at the minute anyway. Until we get some playmakers behind him and a striker he can build a relationship with, then 10-15 would be a more realistic target.
He needs a good supply line. One involving him running onto the ball and using his pace and strength (he is strong for a tiny lad). Play Larsson and Clatts (further forward into a play maker role) and he is capable of hitting 15. Base your team around JD and you will easily be mid table next season.
I can see him getting 10 or so but I'll be happily surprised if he gets over 15. Without more creative midfield play I just don't see it.
