The similarities between Harry Kane and Alan Shearer go beyond goals.
It is not news to anyone that Shearer had the chance to go to Manchester United in the late 1990s, and with David Beckham crossing from one side, Ryan Giggs from the other, Paul Scholes behind and a wealth of options as a strike partner, who knows what he could have achieved under Sir Alex Ferguson’s tutelage.
Like Shearer, the man joint-second in the all-time Premier League goalscoring charts after his volley at Anfield on Sunday missed out on a big move that could have seen his trophy cabinet quickly running out of space, given the assist options available to Kane at Manchester City. Instead, the deadly hitmen have another striking similarity that defies logic, given their incredible individual records – one winners’ medal between them.
Shearer’s sliding doors moment came and went as he opted for Newcastle, something he has always insisted he does not regret.
It appeared, like Shearer, Kane’s opportunity for a trophy-laden career had also passed him by in 2021, when Daniel Levy was not for turning, and the Tottenham forward was forced to stay put.
However, the similarities end there. To Kane’s immense credit, as he watched City lift a fourth league title in five seasons last term and shift into overdrive in recent weeks to power past Arsenal – every Tottenham fan’s dream – the Spurs striker has not let his levels drop, even as all else around him remains in a state of perpetual flux.
Such form – being only the second player to score 25 or more goals in four Premier League seasons this term – means the vultures are circling once more, even though Kane turns 30 in two months’ time.
Kane gave Spurs another chance, and they have passed it up in in a manner only they can. Levy uncharacteristically loosened the purse strings and brought in a proven winner as coach, but the results have flattered to deceive once more.
Breaking Shearer’s record is important to Kane, which is why a move overseas is unlikely to be on his radar. A rejuvenated Manchester United, however, are on the way up, passing Spurs coming in the opposite direction. And they are keen, very keen, to ensure they don’t miss out on another potential record-breaking English strike superforce.
Sunday’s thriller against Liverpool was Spurs in a nutshell: despair, then hope before a final fall. Kane did everything he could, scoring for the fourth successive away match, all of which ended in defeat – the first time that has happened to any top-flight player in 11 years.
He was dropping deep, pinging cross-field passes with unerring accuracy that left those in attendance gasping for air. That is what sets him apart – he is so much more than goals. Nobody in white at Anfield created more chances for team-mates.
Last season, Kane at least had Son Heung-min to provide some help, but amid all the turmoil this campaign, the South Korean’s form has deserted him, leaving Kane to fight the fight, alone. Again.
Simply put, Kane can do no more for Spurs. He owes the club absolutely nothing, having stuck by them when he could have done much more to agitate a move to City, in the post-Bosman era of player power.
Quite the contrary. This time around, having given them one final chance and blown it, the club owe Kane that exit his generational talent deserves. Do not sign a new contract, Harry. You have given Spurs as much as Shearer ever gave Newcastle, if not more. Go get yours.
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