Sunderland manager David Moyes has revealed that he sees veteran star striker Jermain Defoe as the perfect role model for up and coming youth protege Joel Asoro, the Chronicle Live can report.
He (Asoro) has done well I have been impressed with his link-up play and strength. He is like a young Jermain Defoe but he needs to learn to score like Jermain Defoe does. I have been impressed with his training and he is a strong little boy with his wiry shape.
Defoe is one of the oldest members of Moyes’ squad but continues to perform at a high standard at top flight level, and the Scottish manager has come to the conclusion that he could be the perfect professional for Asoro to look up to if he is determined to reach heights that his fellow forward has.
Asoro showed glimpses of impressive form and talent during Sunderland’s pre-season fixtures and, due to the squad being hit with an injury crisis, Moyes handed the youngster his Premier League debut on Sunday as he was brought on as a substitute in The Black Cats’ disappointing 2-1 defeat at home to Middlesbrough.
I have been impressed with his training and he is a strong little boy with his wiry shape. I will say to Jermain he needs to tell him how he scores, only strikers can tell when they shoot through people’s legs, when they shoot, when they take it on.
He needs to show how he gets these opportunities and they are things I am hoping he will pass on.
The Swedish youngster will look to build upon his debut from Sunday against Southampton next weekend, if he is called upon.
