Ledley is King, says Redknapp

Jamie Redknapp today hailed Ledley King as the best defender in the Premiership. The Tottenham centre-half was outstanding as his side extended their unbeaten start to the season with a goalless draw at Chelsea.

King, in tandem with defensive partner Noureddine Naybet, withstood a second-half onslaught and expertly combated the threat of Didier Drogba.

And Spurs captain Redknapp said: "I cannot speak highly enough of Ledley. He is a great player to play in front of and a top-class professional. I would say he is as good as there is at the moment."

After spending much of last season as a makeshift midfielder, King has flourished since returning to his favoured position.

Described as "a colossus" by former boss Glenn Hoddle, the 24-year-old's form has been instrumental in Spurs' resolute opening to the season - they have conceded just two goals in six games.

King, who was shown the second yellow card of his career for a foul on Drogba, is the only survivor from Hoddle's tenure to feature in Spurs' new-look back four.

Summer signings Naybet, Erik Edman and Noe Pamarot have all impressed since being thrust into the first team and King said: "We have surprised a lot of people with how quickly we have clicked. The new signings have done really well."

But while the defence is winning the plaudits, head coach Jacques Santini insists it is a team effort and singled out striker Robbie Keane for showing his work ethic at Stamford Bridge.

The Frenchman said: "We had a special organisation for this match and I asked Robbie Keane to play a different role because we knew that, with Claude Makelele, Joe Cole, Tiago and Frank Lampard, Chelsea have a good midfield.

"To get a good result my players had to win the ball in the midfield. Robbie played for the team which shows what good spirit we have. We are defending well and it is down to all the players."

Although Spurs' dismal record against Chelsea now stands at 29 league matches without a win, Santini claimed the bragging rights after yesterday's draw.

He said: "I am very happy with the result. It was never going to be easy but it was very important to win a point."