Former striker Garth Crooks has picked two Tottenham players in his team of the week for BBC Sport.
While Harry Kane’s inclusion will not come as a much of a surprise to fans given that the striker netted his second brace in a row against Leicester, Crooks also picked Serge Aurier in the team for his display against the Foxes.
The Tottenham right-back started against Brendan Rodger’s side after returning from France, despite the tragic news regarding the murder of his brother in Toulouse last week.
Crooks credited the mental strength shown by the former PSG man to help his teammates out while going through a difficult time.
He wrote: “I couldn’t agree more with some of the sentiments shared this week regarding the immense fortitude shown by Aurier in light of the death of his brother.
“Often the sanctuary of professional football can help individuals cope emotionally during times of bereavement by momentarily taking your mind away from awful events.
“The Ivory Coast international was impressive in Tottenham’s 3-0 victory over Leicester on Sunday and more than played his part the 3-1 win at Newcastle in their previous match when he was very much in mourning. The young man has shown extraordinary strength of character.”
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The former Spurs striker also raved about Kane’s display and suggested that the England captain was back to his best.
He picked out the striker’s through ball to Son Heung-min in the second half for special praise.
Crooks wrote about Kane: “One with his right foot and one with his left in the win over Leicester keeps Kane and Spurs on course for a top-six finish.
“Kane is in great form and it’s not just his finishing. His all-round game is as good as it has ever been.
“The ball he produced for Son Heung-min in the second half was outstanding and with a better touch from the South Korean, it would have resulted in a goal-scoring opportunity.
“However, it was Kane’s second goal that signalled the England captain was back to his best. I don’t care who is in goal, you can’t stop finishes like that.”
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While fans are quick to jump on Aurier’s back when he has lapses in concentration or makes an unforced error, they hardly ever praise the right-back when he makes positive defensive contributions.
I have been impressed with what I have seen from the Ivorian especially when it comes to defending one vs one situation. We have now kept clean sheets in four of our eight matches since the restart and Aurier has been an important part of that.
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