CHERRIES striker Jermain Defoe has likened the managerial methods of Eddie Howe and Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino.

The England frontman, a favourite with Spurs fans after two fruitful spells at the club, labelled the pair as “two top coaches”.

Since their promotion to the top flight, Cherries are yet to beat Spurs, their only point against Pochettino's side coming a 0-0 draw at Vitality Stadium 12 months ago.

With the sides set to lock horns for the fifth time in the Premier League tomorrow (3pm), Defoe is anticipating a fascinating encounter at Wembley.

He told the Daily Echo: “It is funny because when I speak to people and look at Pochettino and look at Eddie, they are so similar in the way they are.

“When I speak to the Tottenham boys and look at some of the methods like training being filmed so the manager can see everything, and the intensity with how hard they work, it is so similar here. They are two top coaches.

“That is why the game will be interesting and I am looking forward to it.”

Pochettino guided Tottenham to a third-place Premier League finish during the 2015-16 campaign before finishing runners-up to champions Chelsea last season.

Asked whether Spurs were genuine challengers for the title, Defoe replied: “They were so close. The game last season against West Ham when they lost 1-0 was massive. I remember watching that game and thought they looked strong in every position.

“We speak about Harry Kane and Dele Alli but you look at the back four and they have a top manager, and players like Mousa Dembele and Christian Eriksen.

“They have so many good players, I felt like they were so close and they are now moving into a new stadium. They are a really top team.”

Defoe recently expressed his desire to reach next year's World Cup finals in Russia as part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad.

Having now turned 35, he believes there is far more to come from him at Cherries.

“Football has gone to another level in terms of sports science if you want to do it right as player,” he added.

“I am 35 and I think I can still get quicker if I want to because everything is there for me to do it and to improve, even if I can get one per cent quicker.

“I can get sharper and fitter because of everything we have got.

“I love my football and, even though I am 35, I am not one of those people who go through the motions in training or cannot really be bothered, or force it a little bit.

“I always enjoy it and give everything. That is probably the most important thing.”