I TRAINED WITH HARRY THE KID . . . NOW I STUDY HIM
WHEN I was at Tottenham, a 17-year-old used to train with us every now and again. He had reasonable technique and a great attitude but he didn’t really stand out. He was never any trouble, a really good kid. We enjoyed having him around and we also enjoyed winding him up. He took the banter in the way it was intended, not once giving anyone a problem. After he had finished a session, we used to say to each other: ‘Yeah, he’s OK.’ Then you’d go away and think about the session a little deeper. Afterwards, you’d realise this 17-year-old had actually scored a hat-trick. He’d get a few chances in every five-a- side game and he’d score. Always. The goals would come from both feet, his shots unleashed always with such power. Today I can safely say the 17-year-old who didn’t really stand out now stands alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for the goals he’s scored in 2017. Harry Kane came to sessions at Chigwell looking to learn from us but, in this afternoon’s game at Wembley, I will look to learn something from him. It’s difficult to say how many levels Harry has gone up since the first time we worked together but, increasingly, he reminds me of Alan Shearer. He’s doing things that are incredible. The power and precision of his finishing, his hold-up play, his awareness. He’s got everything a striker needs. Harry is a top role model for any young lad in terms of showing the rewards that can be gained if you are prepared to work and work and work at your game.
He’s got a desire to be the best of the best and that — along with his finishing skills — is what makes him stand out.
The day I knew he had become truly world class was when we played Tottenham at White Hart Lane in February. There had been nothing much in the game but he got two half-chances in the first half and took the game away from us, finishing with a hat-trick as they won 4-0.
He changed that match out of nothing, took it away from us completely. I’ve studied him ever since and he has been different class. Harry scores every kind of goal and his attitude will be a dream for his manager, Mauricio Pochettino. He’s a great lad. And I’m delighted he’s become a great striker.