Tottenham captain Ledley King has raised eyebrows, saying Spurs striker Jermain Defoe is a better player than Manchester United star Wayne Rooney.

King is adamant that Defoe is the best finisher in the Premier League and believes he is deadly from anywhere around the penalty area.

"I think he's the best finisher in the country and that's from anywhere, 25 yards and in," King said.

"I've felt that for years. He's deadly.

"Jermain will always score goals. There are not too many forwards who can pick the ball up 25 yards out and still be a big threat.

"He can shift the ball and hit it from anywhere around the box.

"He will hit shots before defenders are set, he always hits the target and what he's doing well this season as well is poaching goals in the box - in the six-yard box, two yards out- he's popping up everywhere.

"I've trained against him so I know that he's a nightmare to play against, especially for big centre-halves because the last thing you want is a little livewire around your knees.

"I'm delighted for him and he's one of the reasons we are where we are this season."