Pundit thinks Spurs star could permanently change position but shouldn’t

Adebayo Akinfenwa has claimed that Harry Kane has reached a point in his career where he is not worried about being the top goalscorer anymore and is willing to put the needs of the team ahead of his personal ambitions.

Kane very much played as an out-and-out number nine during the last World Cup in Russia back in 2018 and won the Golden Boot in the tournament.

However, over the last three years, the striker has adapted his game into more of a nine and a half, and has showcased his vision and passing range when he drops deep to pick up the ball.

That part of the 29-year-old’s game has been very evident in Qatar, with the striker sitting at the top of the assist charts with three to his name so far.

The Tottenham man showcased his full array of qualities in England’s 3-0 win over Senegal, playing a key part in almost all of the Three Lions’ attacks, switching play impressively and also opening his account in front of goal with his first strike of the tournament.

Akinfenwa has said that Kane is more than capable of playing as a pure number ten.

The former Wycombe Wanderers striker said on the All to Play For Podcast: “With the best of both worlds, he’d be the top goalscorer and the top assister.

“Ultimately, I think he’s matured enough and scored enough goals where he’d take accolades over being the top scorer right now.

“I think he’s adapted his game as well. I honestly think you could play him as a number 10, don’t, but that’s what he brings, he can drop into that false nine.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Given the type of attacking threat that England have from the wide areas in the form of Foden, Rashford and Saka, a striker like Kane, who is able to hold up the ball but can also drop into the hole to allow the wide-forwards to run in behind, suits Gareth Southgate’s system perfectly.

France will have a big decision to make regarding whether one of Varane or Upamecano go with Kane when he drops deep, thus allowing space for the likes of Foden or Saka, or to put one of Tchouameni or Rabiot on the England captain, which will free up the likes of Bellingham.

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