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Harry Kane, Young Player of the Year, finally has been given the recognition he deserves. The 21 year old has gone from a gangly, awkward boy to a powerful, physical man right in front of our eyes. Ever classy, always saying the right things, breathing life into an otherwise flat team, Kane epitomizes the Hotspur ideal. A working class hero. An underdog. A home town boy doing better than imaginable.
From this point forward, like any star, Kane won't take anyone by surprise. There is nothing that managers, coaching staffs, and opposing players won't know about him. No stone will be left unturned in terms of scheme and execution. Harry Kane will emerge next season with a giant target on his back.
Whether or not he is able to overcome the pressure is not entirely up to him. It'll take someone rising to his level, someone keeping up with him, someone coexisting offensively. More than likely, also, it has to be someone who already has a place on the roster.
Of the limited candidates, smart money would be put on Eriksen. He has the ability to create space and place the ball in tight spaces...perfect for a forward, like Kane, to feed off of. We have seen Eriksen do some unbelievable things this season, but we have also seen him be phased out by physical midfielders and be misused to compensate for Chadli’s inflexibility. If Eriksen can play more centrally, more often, he and Kane could be a dominating force.
Another contender, albeit hard to believe, is Roberto Soldado. Most have written him off entirely, but he still has ability to compliment Kane in a tandem striking set. Soldado's vexed Tottenham tenure has been a complete disappointment, but the summer is long and the chances to regain confidence are many. It would not shock me to see his importance climb back up to meet the expectations originally placed on his shoulders.
But, of all the prospects to ascend, my favorite to rise to the occasion is none other than Nabil Bentaleb. If Bentaleb's defensive responsibilities can be lessened, he has the skill to create havoc offensively. His shooting touch is lacking and he turns the ball over far too often, but those are skills that can be grown into. The skills that can't, like lighting quick reaction, ranging speed, insane endurance, are already present. He just has to put it all together. Considering the fact he won't be 21 until November, it's safe to say that time is on his side. He has the perfect blend of grit, pace, and skill to be the optimal compliment for Kane.
No matter who emerges with Kane, if anyone can at all, it is safe to say the future is brighter now than it has been in recent years. If Bentaleb can improve, we could be looking to ride out this decade with two dynamic players still in their mid-twenties. The forecast is exciting...let's just hope Real Madrid keep their distance.
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I hate to criticize but some of your podcast comments, lads, sound like they come from...well as Billy Nick said...from somebody who couldn't trap a bag of cement! ;)
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