“He excites me and I think he is absolutely without weakness. I just can’t find one like him, Every time i think of the future, my mind is drawn back to him, he’s unique”- England legend said Sunderland star was the best he’d seen and as good as Owen and Figo
Sunderland’s Striking Legacy Lives On, but Defoe Still Stands Apart
Sunderland has seen its fair share of legendary strikers over the years, but one name continues to shine as one of the most gifted of his generation — Jermain Defoe. While young talent Tommy Watson has recently captured fans’ imaginations, particularly after that unforgettable late win at Wembley, the Black Cats now face the challenge of building a Premier League-ready squad.
New manager Regis Le Bris must address the team’s biggest weakness: goal scoring. Sunderland ended the season as the lowest scorers among the Championship’s top six, managing just 58 goals in 46 games. Wilson Isidor (13 goals) and Eliezer Mayenda (10) were the only players to reach double digits.
This shortage highlights a stark contrast to Sunderland’s rich tradition of elite No.9s — icons like Jermain Defoe, Kevin Phillips, and Niall Quinn. The club’s history is filled with unforgettable moments from its strikers, from Darren Bent’s infamous beach ball goal against Liverpool to Fabio Borini’s dramatic winner against Newcastle.
While Kevin “Super Kev” Phillips remains the club’s most prolific scorer, few would dispute that Defoe ranks among the most naturally talented to wear the red and white. Former England international David Platt, who managed Defoe at U21 level, even compared him to world-class stars.
Platt: Defoe Was as Good as Owen and Figo
“He excites me — I think he’s absolutely without weakness,” Platt once said of a 19-year-old Defoe. “Every time I think of the future, my mind is drawn back to him. He’s unique.How many players can I name without a weakness? Not many. Maybe Michael Owen. Maybe Luis Figo. That could be it.”
Defoe’s career total of 163 Premier League goals places him among the league’s all-time greats — only six English players have ever scored more. While he enjoyed his longest stint at Tottenham, some of his most iconic moments came in a Sunderland shirt, including that thunderous derby winner against Newcastle and his unforgettable bond with young fan Bradley Lowery.
Even now, Defoe’s passion for Sunderland remains strong. He was spotted celebrating the club’s return to the Premier League at Wembley and praised Le Bris for his inspired substitutions, particularly Patrick Roberts and Tommy Watson.
Replicating Defoe’s influence won’t be easy, but Mayenda’s vital equaliser against Sheffield United suggests there’s promise in this new generation. Sunderland’s striking legacy lives on — but Defoe’s boots will take some filling.
