Arsene Wenger has described Sunderland striker, Jermain Defoe, as ‘absolutely amazing’ ahead of Arsenal’s trip to the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Alright Arsene, I wouldn’t go that far.

Joking aside, the former Spurs striker has been brilliant for Sunderland.

He had a brush with the MLS in 2014 but returned to the Premier League to play for the Black Cats after realising that he still had a way to go before he hung up his boots.

He’s since scored 26 goals in two (and a bit) years; four just this term.

Defoe is a selfish player. It’s perhaps why his England career never really took off but he’s exactly what Sunderland need. A player who can come on, take the game by the scruff of the neck and win at all costs. This is something Wenger admires.

“Honestly, you have to admire Defoe for what he has done,” said Wenger.

“You think when a guy like him at his age moves to the United States that it was the end for him in the Premier League but he came back, had a huge impact and certainly it is down to him that Sunderland stayed in the league last year.

“There must be a big passion behind that. I don’t know [Defoe] well but he is absolutely amazing.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 22: Jermain Defoe of Sunderland reacts during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Sunderland at Olympic Stadium on October 22, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 22: Jermain Defoe of Sunderland reacts during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Sunderland at Olympic Stadium on October 22, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

A few years ago, it was revealed that the former West Ham man used to have Ian Wright posters up in his room as a kid and he was reportedly a Gooner, which most likely gives him more impetus to show Wenger what he’s made of.