Patrick Vieira says he has been taken aback by one Rangers player

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Patrick Vieira has admitted to The Daily Record that he is surprised that Rangers striker Jermain Defoe is still playing.

The Arsenal legend made the comments about Defoe after his Nice side played against Steven Gerrard’s Rangers at the weekend.

Rangers got the better of Nice, who are now managed by Vieira, 2-0 in France in a pre-season friendly match on Saturday.

Vieira has raved about former Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United striker Defoe, and he is surprised that the 37-year-old is still playing professionally.

Vieira told The Daily Record about Defoe: “I’m surprised Jermain is still playing – I asked him what he was doing on the pitch!

“It’s always nice to see Jermain. He showed by the way he finished Rangers’ goal that he’s a natural goalscorer. He’s still got the talent.”

Stats

According to WhoScored, Defoe made 11 starts and nine substitute appearances in the Scottish Premiership for Rangers this past season, scoring 13 goals in the process.

The English striker also scored one goal in three Scottish League Cup ties for Steven Gerrard’s side, according to WhoScored.

Important player for Rangers

While Alfredo Morelos is the first-choice striker at Rangers, Defoe’s importance to the team cannot be undermined.

The 37-year-old is a natural goalscorer who will be pushing Morelos hard and might even make himself the number one striker in the squad.