Harry Kane credits Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo era of dominance for current lack of No. 9s - 'It's a shame'
Updated 26/11/2024 at 09:24 GMT
Harry Kane exclusively told TNT Sports Brazil how Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have influenced young footballers to become wingers rather than strikers. Elsewhere, the England skipper expressed his admiration for Brazil icon Ronaldo Nazario. Kane's Bayern Munich take on Paris Saint-Germain in a crucial UEFA Champions League encounter on Tuesday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
‘It’s a shame’ – Kane says Messi and Ronaldo domination behind decline of world-class No. 9s
Video credit: TNT Sports
Harry Kane has explained to TNT Sports Brazil how Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have influenced young footballers to become wingers rather than strikers.
The England and Bayern Munich forward was speaking ahead of his side’s UEFA Champions League encounter against Paris Saint-Germain, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Bayern are languishing in 17th in the Champions League table, having picked up just six points from their four European matches this term, while PSG are in 25th on four points.
Ahead of the heavyweight European encounter, Kane spoke about why fewer traditional No.9s exist in modern football.
"The game is changing a little bit," Kane exclusively told TNT Sports Brazil. "The way coaching is now [means] a lot of players grow up wanting to be wingers.
"I think [Lionel] Messi and Cristiano [Ronaldo] dominated for a long, long time playing off the wings. I think a lot of players wanted to watch them.
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Kane expressed his admiration for Ronaldo.
Image credit: Getty Images
"When I was growing up, I had some of the best strikers in the world [to watch], so I wanted to be a No. 9.
"That’s just the way football goes. I think, tactically, some managers play with a false nine, or a nine-and-a-half/10 position.
"It’s a shame because, ultimately, I think scoring goals is the hardest thing in football, so I would like to see more No. 9s coming through, but over the years you’ll see it come and go.
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"But for sure, when I was growing up at No. 9 there were some incredible players."
Kane also spoke of his admiration for Brazilian icon and two-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo Nazario.
Kane said: "I think we’re totally different players in the way we play, but ultimately, the way he used to finish was as good as anyone, as well as the way he moved with the ball.
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Highlights: Kane plunders FOUR as Bayern hammer Dinamo Zagreb with NINE goals
Video credit: TNT Sports
"His dribbling ability. His movement. I think he was as good as anyone in the world. He had a lot more ability than me if I’m totally honest. He had good pace as well.
"But for me growing up, I tried to watch all the best strikers in the world, and he was in his prime at the time.
"It was a joy to watch him, and it’s been nice to score a few goals myself and take a few bits from his game."
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