Champions League Final loss shows Kane should be City’s top target

Why Harry Kane is City’s solution

The Citizens’ first ever Champions League final was also the last game for club talisman Sergio Aguero, and thoughts inevitably turn to how best to adequately replace him.

Considering the nature of City’s attack, one candidate stands head and shoulders above the rest – not only to replace Agüero but to completely reshape City’s style of play.

More from Manchester City

• Manchester City predicted lineup vs Red Star Belgrade: Rico Lewis starts
• Manchester City: Pep Guardiola spotted Barcelona sensation in summer
• Manchester City injury news vs West Ham: FOUR players ruled out by Pep
• Manchester City Predicted Lineup vs West Ham: Unchanged from Fulham?
• Manchester City announce star defender’s re-signing in Holywood fashion

It doesn’t take a professional scout to tell you that Harry Kane is Tottenham’s – and the English Premier League’s – best forward.

Having previously flourished as an out-and-out finisher, Kane has this year played a deeper, complete forward role, somewhere between a classic number 9 and 10 – a “9-and-a-half” if you will.

The result (according to Understat) has been Kane’s direct involvement in a staggering 54% of Spurs’ goals this season, with the Englishman topping the Premier League in both goals and assists.

The forward far outperformed his expected assists, almost doubling his xA of 7.5 – and whilst a major reason for this was Son Heung-min’s blistering shooting form, Kane’s proficient creativity in the attacking third was clear throughout the season.

Kane virtually matched his xG of 22.17, indicating he remained a clinical shooter despite this added creative responsibility.