Antonio Conte heaps praise on “amazing” Harry Kane

Antonio Conte has heaped praise on striker Harry Kane after Spurs eased past Newcastle on Sunday.

The North-London side ran out 5-1 winners at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, coming from behind after a Fabian Schar free-kick gave Eddie Howe’s men the lead.

Kane, as is commonplace, was central to his side’s success. A goal, the only thing missing from an otherwise trademark all-encompassing performance by the Englishman.

The arrival and consequent upturn in Spurs’ form following Conte’s appointment in November has paralleled that of the 28-year-old’s.

Under the Italian manager’s predecessor Nuno Espírito Santo, Kane experienced a slow start to the 2021/22 campaign, perhaps representative of his former boss’ underwhelming tenure.

Not helped by a bitter transfer stand-off between himself and Spurs chairman Daniel Levy resulting in him staying against his will, Kane recorded just two goal involvements in his first 13 Premier League games this season.

Fast-forward to present day, the Three Lions skipper has recorded 13 in his previous 13.

Antonio Conte hails “big example” Harry Kane

“He was a big example for his team-mates,” said Conte as quoted by Sky Sports.

"“When you see him work this way, for sure you have to show the desire to continue to work very hard. For this reason I want to tell him thanks because he’s a big example for everything. And I hope to give him satisfaction. Now he is enjoying to play this type of football and we have to try to continue together because I’m seeing many players with great improvement. Every player is improving and for this reason Tottenham is going up and up."

"“His performance was amazing. I said to him it was a shame he didn’t score but he played in a fantastic way. To have a player like him in your team makes you strong. To know we have him in our side is very important because he can score and create chances.”"

Under the former Chelsea and Inter boss, Kane has been ployed in a hybrid number ‘9’ and ‘10’ role, displaying exemplary craftsmanship in reference to both.

His multifaceted profile has owed perfectly to his manager’s favoured 3-4-3 formation, which requires a presence to lead the line.

Romelu Lukaku and Diego Costa are among Kane’s equivalents at Conte’s former clubs, both boasting physicality likened to that of the Lilywhites’ talisman.

Kane, however, has taken the role to new heights. Showcasing his ability as a playmaker as opposed to the above-mentioned archetypal goal scorers.

Such an incline in form may prove a double-edged for Conte and Spurs, with links to a move elsewhere inevitable.

Although, the saving grace for Spurs fans could be the blossoming relationship between their star man and manager.

“First of all I like the person,” Conte stated before adding:

"“Some players with talent don’t want to work hard. I have found a player who is a great man. He set the example from the very first day. This isn’t normal because usually when you are top player you can work less, sometimes you are a bit lazy. He is a big example for his teammates. I have seen his desire to be competitive in every competition.”"

Conte himself hasn’t been alien to reports his days with Spurs may be numbered, but in February reassured his supporters of his commitment to the club. Something Harry Kane is yet to do.