We all remember the day when Jose Mourinho was sensationally named head coach of Tottenham Hotspur, following the sacking of Mauricio Pochettino, and it is safe to say a lot of controversy came with the club’s bold decision.
One of the major talking points was how Spurs talisman Harry Kane would fair in Mourinho’s famous style of play, which many call negative, despite its proven success across Europe, making the Portuguese boss one of the most decorated coaches in football.
Pundits were jumping to a range of conclusions and creating theories on why arguably the world’s best striker would struggle when under instruction of a three-time Premier League winner (Sky Sports).
However, one of the most memorable moments of the All or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur documentary was in an early meeting between Kane and Mourinho, where they discussed the England captains’ aspirations.
During this discussion, the gaffer promised that he could help the 27-year-old to ‘explode’ (Sport Bible).
Looking back at the striker’s individual successes since the appointment of Mourinho, it is safe to say that Kane is doing just that and thriving playing in this so-called ‘negative’ system.
There was not much room for improvement from Kane and many Spurs fans would say that he is one of the most complete players to ever wear a Lilywhite shirt, as there is literally nothing he cannot do. He can even put a shift in between the sticks… kind of.
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Under Pochettino, Kane was played as an out and out striker, which by all means was not an incorrect decision considering his amazing finishing talents. Although he showcased his playmaking ability on occasion, it was never used as much of an attacking weapon.
This season has been much different as Kane has dropped back and played as an old-fashioned number 10, linking up the play with the likes of Heung-Min Son, Tanguy Ndombele and Steven Berwijn.
Kane has been heavily involved in goals and assists in all competitions this campaign, having recorded an immense 19 goals and 14 assists in under 30 games (Transfermarkt).
When watching our games it is evident that Mourinho has identified the World Cup golden boot winner’s passing ability and that, combined with Son’s intelligent attacking runs and ruthless skill in front of goal, has resulted in amazing attacking returns.
Despite Kane’s strong playmaking strengths, of course, his main attribute remains in the goalscoring category, and he is making the most of the crosses Serge Aurier and new signing Sergio Reguilon are putting into the box.
The signing of Reguilon in the summer was a great piece of business as it evens up our attacking outlets on either flank.
The Spaniard has impressed so far throughout his short tenure in North London and has provided a selection of sensational deliveries for you know who to put into the back of the net.
His assist against Fulham which resulted in the opening goal was almost identical to a goal scored earlier this season against West Ham showing a clear tactic deployed by Jose.
In an odd way, the counter-attacking football that we now seem to be playing on a weekly basis has seemed to benefit Kane as it suits his strong assets.
Harry Kane has enjoyed many stellar seasons in N17, but this one so far feels as if he has reached another level in his career.
Not only is he banging in the much-needed goals and bagging assists but he is also putting in a major shift in defence and has saved the side on many occasions.
There should be no surprises around the fact that Jose is managing to excel the already world-class talents of our number 10, as he has worked with some of the best strikers in football history, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Mourinho, without a doubt, will be hoping, just like every member of the Spurs faithful that Harry Kane will be the next name on that list of trophy winners.
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