‘That is where it starts’ – Jermain Defoe sends message to young Gers starlets
Jermain Defoe has explained how he takes ‘care of the dressing room’ at Rangers and how he mentors the youth players at Ibrox.
Defoe, 38, is helping the Gers on and off the pitch this season as he is educating the youth players and setting a fine example on the pitch.
Speaking on the Mennie Talks podcast, Defoe explained how he mentors the younger players at Ibrox and details what he always tells them before each game.
He said, “I say to the players, especially the younger lads, just enjoy it. Don’t waste a training session, every day just make sure you are on it in training first and foremost because that is where it starts.
“I am obviously one of the more senior players so I try to take care of the dressing room, I know that at a big club like Rangers for young players coming in, it’s not always easy to hit the ground running and there is a lot of pressure because you are expected to win every game.
“I always say to the youngsters at Rangers before games ‘goals and assists’. Make sure you get your numbers up because all people look at at the end of the season is ‘how many goals did he score and how many assists did he get’.”
Ciaran Dickson, 18, and Leon King, 16, made their Rangers debuts against Falkirk this weekend as the Gers ran out 4-0 winners in the Scottish League Cup tie.
Defoe scored the first of the game and it is doubtful that any other player at Ibrox could serve as a better role model to young players than the former Tottenham man.
The 38-year-old is a model professional and has been successful in all stages of his career including his stint with the Gers.
While not being a regular starter at Ibrox, Defoe waits for his chance to shine and his attitude is something that all youth players can learn from.
With Dickson and King making their debuts at the weekend things are looking bright for the future of Rangers and Defoe is certainly playing a big role in making that future as bright as possible.
In other Rangers news, James Tavernier has also made a claim about the Gers debutants against Falkirk.