Alan Shearer reveals why he thinks Harry Kane now has goalkeepers ‘overthinking’

Alan Shearer has praised Harry Kane’s consistency from the penalty spot, claiming that the Tottenham striker has opposition goalkeepers overthinking. 

Kane has received plenty of praise for his finishing ability with both feet, his vision, passing and his work rate over the years but the striker’s ability from the penalty spot is perhaps underappreciated. 

The 28-year-old is arguably the best penalty taker in world football at present, with his goal from the spot against Burnley being the 21st consecutive one that he is converted for Spurs (Independent).

The England captain demonstrated his versatility from the spot over the last week, going to Aaron Ramsdale’s left in the North London Derby before arrowing it to Nick Pope’s right against Burnley. 

Kane has also shown that he is capable of going down the middle if the goalkeeper moves early while it is next to impossible for his penalties to be saved when the goalkeeper waits too long, given the power and accuracy of the striker’s shots.

Shearer believes that goalkeepers are at a loss regarding what to do when Kane steps up to the spot.

The Newcastle legend told MatchDay Extra on PL Productions (16/05/22 at 10:50 pm): “Superb. The keepers don’t know what he’s going to do. Nick Pope actually tried to outfox him by standing still.

“He put his other one to the goalkeeper’s left-hand side (v Arsenal), so he’s thinking he might just change his mind.

“Even if he had gone to his right side, he wouldn’t have stopped the penalty because it was inches inside the post and the keepers not getting it.

“Such is the confidence of Harry Kane, he can put it in that good of a spot, even if he goes that way, he’s not getting it – he got the goalkeepers overthinking it.”

Spurs Web Opinion

All players at the Premier League level, especially strikers, are capable of hitting the top or the bottom corner with power when there is no pressure involved. 

What separates average penalty takers from great ones is the ability to deliver under pressure. That is where Kane’s mental strength sets him apart from many of his peers. 

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