Jose Mourinho has given an interview to The Times about England’s chances at the European Championships this summer, including a lengthy portion on Harry Kane.
Just a few months ago, Mourinho was managing Kane in North London as Spurs prepared to make a late push for the Premier League top four and a League Cup Final.
Unfortunately, things didn’t work out for the Special One and he was sacked in late April before Spurs fell short of both the League Cup trophy and a top-four finish.
However, one positive from the period under Mourinho was Harry Kane’s development as he changed up his game to create more from deeper positions.
Watching Kane drift out wide or collect the ball on the halfway line was a trademark this season, with the likes of Heung-min Son running in behind to create chances.
This is why the England captain not only finished the season with the Premier League golden boot, but also the playmaker award, beating out the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes.
Kane racked up 33 goals and 17 assists in 49 games across all competitions for Tottenham last season (TransferMarkt).
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Mourinho had this to say on Kane and his transformation: “He is a very complete player. He went from a No 9 — incredible goalscorer — to a complete player who is still the same goalscorer. He does more things for the team and still scores the same number of goals.
“It’s not like his qualities changed and now he plays a different role and he scores less goals. He plays a different role and he scores the same number of goals.
“He is a leader — a silent leader, but a leader. In the club, it is not an easy situation for a leader who does not have the armband. It creates a little bit of uncertainty about the roles.
“In the national team he has that armband that gives him, let’s say, the institutional power to be a leader of the group. He is a good leader. He is a very calm guy who has a voice when he needs to have it, surrounded by experienced players who can help him.”
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