Defoe: Sunderland's Duncan Watmore glides like Gareth Bale

Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe has likened the impact of Duncan Watmore to the Black Cats' first team to that of Gareth Bale when he broke into the English game.

Defoe was a teammate of Bale's at Tottenham Hotspur for four-and-a-half years over two spells, with the Welshman since becoming a Galatico at Real Madrid, and sees similarities between him and Sunderland's 21-year-old winger.

"In a funny way he reminds me of Gareth. When he came on the scene at Tottenham, he used to just get the ball and glide," the 33-year-old told BBC Sport.

Watmore has had to work to become a Premier League player. He was dumped from Manchester United's youth academy at just 12, and focused on his studies as he prepared a life away from the game.

At 16, however, he was picked up by local club Altrincham and shortly afterwards made his name in the starting lineup of the then-sixth tier outfit. Over two years ago, he earned the move north-east to Sunderland and has eventually broken into first team this term, while impressing on the international stage with the England Under-21 squad.

He still appreciates the hardships of trying to make it as a footballer, and continues to prepare for a life outside the game. Earlier this year he achieved a first-class honours degree in economics and business management at Newcastle University.

"He's such a nice boy, I don't think he's bothered about signing new contracts and stuff, all he wants to do is play football and do well for the club," Defoe said.

Given his undoubted ability, manager Sam Allardyce made sure to secure him to a long-term deal last week anyway.

With the Wearside outfit currently sitting in the relegation zone, the side is in need of some creativity and inspiration. Defoe believes Watmore can provide that in next Saturday's visit of Stoke City, and for many years to come.

"If he can go on to do what Gareth has done then he'll be fantastic," Defoe continued. "He's the future of this club."