Andy Gray has expressed his worry on beIN SPORTS (08/11/20 at 7:10 pm) about Tottenham striker Harry Kane ‘turning into’ Liverpool’s false number nine Roberto Firmino.
The ex-Sky Sports pundit pointed out that Kane is ‘becoming a creator rather than a goalscorer’ and that is an issue for the Tottenham man.
Whilst Kane still has his shooting boots on, he has also turned into quite the playmaker during this campaign and has supplied eight assists in eight Premier League matches – no-one has more.
Even though Kane has taken his game to another level this season, former Villa striker Gray shares that he wants the Englishman to go back to what he is known for.
“I have read a lot in the English press that Harry Kane’s changed his game and he’s dropping off far more than he ever did,” said Gray. “He’s becoming a creator rather than a goalscorer and that worried me when I hear things like that.
“Why has Harry Kane got the reputation that he has? By doing what? Scoring goals! I don’t want him turning into a Firmino. I know that sounds terrible. But you know what I am saying. I don’t want him to be that [a false number nine] because that’s not his strength. Yes, he’s a great passer.
“This was his heat map and touch map in the first half [against West Brom]. He had few touches in the attacking third. He has got everything from here [halfway line] to here [just before the final third]. He was coming deep time and time again.
“In the second half, it’s a total difference. Everything, nearly, is in the top end of the pitch. His goal emphasises what I am talking about. I just hope there is a beautiful mix for Harry Kane to have as a footballer because he is exquisite passer of the ball – don’t forget what made you what you are, Harry.”
If Kane wasn’t scoring the goals, then Gray’s point would be valid, but on top of supplying assists, mainly for Heung-Min Son, he is still putting the ball into the back of the net himself.
This has also added another dimension to Tottenham’s attack and the results are there for all to see because they are sitting second in the Premier League table.
Judging by how Harry Kane is performing, he is going to end up getting into both double figures in both goals and assists – and not many players reach such heights, especially in such a competitive league.
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