Jermaine Defoe deserves another chance at the top level reckons Hoddle
The former England manager believes two of the biggest clubs in the country have missed a trick by not signing the 34-year-old striker.
Despite being part of a Sunderland side which was comprehensively relegated from the Premier League, Defoe netted 15 times in the top flight last term.
In fact the only Englishman to score more league goals than Defoe last season was Tottenham’s much-vaunted Harry Kane.
Defoe moved to Bournemouth in the summer but Hoddle reckons one of England’s big boys should have snapped him up.
"You know if you give him one chance [he's going to score]," Hoddle told BT Sport.
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Defoe opened his Bournemouth account against Brighton on Friday
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Defoe celebrates a goal for England against Lithuania
"I am so surprised one of the top six teams in this country haven't taken him and got him back in.
“Give him chances and he'll put the ball in the net. Some people they run out of steam at 33.
“This fella keeps himself fit and he only needs one chance in a game.
“If he was at United or Arsenal or something and he's coming on for a half hour every game, he would get four or five chances."
Defoe was available on a free transfer this summer after leaving the Black Cats.
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Defoe poaches one of his 15 goals for Sunderland last season
It was Eddie Howe who stumped up the cash to sign him for Bournemouth, reportedly by offering him a £130,000 per week package.
Arsenal’s new number nine Alexandre Lacazette missed a glorious chance from five yards out in the 0-0 draw against Chelsea on Sunday.
And the £52million signing is still not yet ready to play a full 90 minutes according to Arsene Wenger.
Lacazette scored within minutes of his Gunners’ debut against Leicester, but has only found the net once more since.
But Manchester United’s new hitman, Romelu Lukaku, has been on fire for his new club with seven goals in as many games.
