Harry Kane among top strikers in the world
The Tottenham forward has scored the most goals of any Premier League player for the second season in a row, and is showing no signs of slowing down. Is Kane among the top strikers in England, or even the world?
If every professional football writer had to make a shortlist of the best strikers and number 9’s on the planet, a few names would appear on everyone’s list. The unbelievable Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez, the Polish goal-scoring machine Robert Lewandowski, the Swedish monster Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and probably Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Of course, there is no one strictly defined method or equation that can definitively settle the hotly contested debate. Every forward brings a unique set of skills and strengths to the pitch, and the inevitable struggle to crown a top dog commences. Some prefer Aubameyang because of his ability to burn defenders with his lighting fast speed. Others prefer Suarez for his lethal striking ability from medium to long-range paired with his incredible playmaking.
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In London there is a world-class number 9, and his stock is rising very quickly. Harry Kane really is a golden boy: his blonde hair and bronze skin tone go perfectly with his two Premier League Golden Boots. In the 2016/2017 campaign, Harry Kane put more balls in the net than any other Premier League player for the second straight season. He scored 5 hat-tricks and scored 29 goals in 30 matches. He was also out injured for 8 of those matches.
That kind of production gives pundits, players, and fans the right to start asking whether the Englishman should be considered amongst the worlds elite, not just the Premier League elite. In England, the hierarchy of strikers has remained relatively consistent the past few seasons. Chelsea’s Diego Costa, Sergio Aguero of Manchester City, Romelu Lukaku of Everton, and Kane are the top candidates for the award.
In the last couple of seasons, Oliver Giroud of Arsenal has come into his own as a top striker. Zlatan was coaxed to Manchester by Jose Mourinho which makes the debate a bit more intriguing. However, in terms of production as measured by stats and team contribution, it’s extremely difficult to make a good case for any other striker besides Kane. He is leading a youthful and talented Spurs side who have been the only real title challengers in the last two Premier League campaigns. When taking into consideration the world-class clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, and United, it’s hard to believe the Spurs have outshined them in consecutive terms.
If Pochettino can keep the squad together this summer, Tottenham could be an English powerhouse for seasons to come. But in reality, a player of the caliber Harry Kane possesses will most likely be lured away by bigger paychecks at a bigger club. His tall, strong composure allows him to hold off the toughest defenders. His wicked strikes and deadly accuracy make him a nightmare for goalkeepers. Luckily, the Argentinian manager will have the striker at his disposal until 2020.
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The Englishman’s contract is perhaps the biggest bargain in the entire Premier League. Kane is on track to smash scoring and points records at his current club. He is a more productive and effective striker than Costa and Aguero. Former England forward Gary Lineker believes him to be the long-term answer for England’s national team as well:
"“He is phenomenal. He’s got all the attributes, he’s also got mental strength. I think he will be England’s best striker for some time.” Goal"
Harry Kane was flying under the radar, but he is now very much on the map. He has earned the right to be called the Premier Leagues’ top striker. The Englishman is now in the Suarez and Lewandowski conversation, not the Costa and Aguero conversation.