Kane and most definitely able
DAN HOLMES on how Tottenham like striker Harry Kane seems a throwback to the past –but has a very bright future
offset by his other attributes. The 21-year-old’s story this season began with a glut of goals in domestic competitions and the Europa League. Inevitably, calls for his inclusion in Mauricio Pochettino’s first eleven began, with Spurs fans tired of Roberto Soldado’s lack of impact and Emmanuel Adebayor’s apathy.
Pochettino, a manager with a well-earned reputation for fostering young talent, was initially cautious, but when his chance came Kane did not falter.
His winning goal at Villa Park in November of last year, on as a substitute for Adebayor, began a rise to prominence which has been as breathless as it has unprecedented.
Goals against the so-called ‘lesser’ teams helped establish Kane as a Premier League goalscorer of promise, but his virtuoso showing in Spurs’ thrilling dismissal of Chelsea on New Year’s Day cemented his status as one of the league’s most prominent marksmen.
Chelsea’s notoriously miserly defence was simply reduced to rubble by Kane’s strength, tenacity and clinical finishing. Gary Cahill at one point kicked Kane in the back as he lay prone on the pitch in order to gain some respite.
The Walthamstow man’s performance that day was a joy to behold. The New Year had heralded the arrival of a new hero at the Lane.
The end of January brought a new contract – signed without a hint of entitlement or hesitation from the grounded Kane – and supposedly worth £40,000 a week, relatively low compared to today’s eye-watering standards.
There is much to be admired in the way the Spurs striker has taken to his new-found status as Spurs’ most important player and talk of the England team being built around him. His assurance on the pitch has been matched by his level-headedness off it.
Kane has not yet reached his ceiling, if indeed he has one, and you sense from hearing him speak that he is both willing to learn and respectful of those who have preceded him. After his match-winning performance against Arsenal, he described the experience as ‘magical’, before speaking candidly about how he used to dream of emulating his heroes.
His celebrations on that day were unreservedly emotive and representative of every Spurs fan in the ground or watching at home. There was no grandiose posing or cocky cupping of the ear, just an outpouring of joy from one of Spurs’ own.
Kane has it in him to go all the way and fans everywhere, regardless of their affiliations, should be rooting for him.You never know when another like him might come along.