‘World class’ Tottenham striker Harry Kane is ‘not normal’, says head coach Antonio Conte
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Published 04/04/2022 at 10:33 GMT+1
Despite failing to find himself on the scoresheet yesterday afternoon, Harry Kane’s performance during Spurs’ 5-1 humbling of Newcastle United has been singled out by head coach Antonio Conte. The 28-year-old has been in fine recent form, with Conte admitting the “world-class striker” is setting a fantastic example for team-mates to follow.
‘Is not normal’ - Conte heaps praise on Kane following Tottenham’s win over Newcastle
Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has lavished praise upon Harry Kane after the striker delivered a stand-out performance during Spurs’ 5-1 victory over Newcastle United yesterday.
Although the 28-year-old failed to find his name on the scoresheet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, he did manage to grab a second half assist for wing-back Matt Doherty.
Having come from behind following Fabian Schar’s first half opener, the hosts eventually ran out comfortable winners as they moved up to fourth in the Premier League table, ahead of north London rivals Arsenal on goal difference and five points behind Chelsea in third.
The England international has recorded 22 goals in 42 appearances in all competitions for Spurs this season, with 12 of those strikes coming in the Premier League.
Former Tottenham winger David Ginola also likened Kane to Argentine football icon Diego Maradona following Sunday’s emphatic triumph.
His instrumental display against Eddie Howe’s Magpies has not gone unnoticed by head coach Conte, who admits Kane is setting an example for his team-mates to follow.
"I am happy. I am happy for him because we are talking about a world class striker,” he said.
“He deserves the best because he's a great worker, hard worker... this is not normal because usually the players that have talent many times don't like to work hard because they have talent.
“In my career I didn't have great talent [so] for this reason I worked hard. What I liked about him from the first time was his ability. He was a big example for his team-mates.
“When you see him work in this way, and for sure you have the desire to continue to work, to work very hard.
“For this reason, I want to tell him thanks because he's always a big example for everything, and I hope to give him satisfaction. I think he's now enjoying playing this type of football."
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'Two players in one' - Conte praises Kane after win over West Ham
Despite Sunday’s emphatic victory, Spurs will be displaced in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification if Arsenal avoid defeat at Crystal Palace tonight.
Conte has played down his side’s chances of achieving a top-four spot with just eight games left to play.
He said: "In this race there are other teams that maybe in this moment, they have [an] advantage, and I think Arsenal has to play two games, no?
“Don't forget [Manchester] United, an amazing squad. Don't forget West Ham, and also Wolves are having a fantastic season.
“This league is very, very difficult. But I am happy because hard work is paying off."
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