Former Tottenham man Garth Crooks was pleased to see Harry Kane back to his best for Spurs in the 3-2 win over Newcastle at the weekend, and believes it was down to the England international playing more like an out-and-out centre-forward again.
Kane has had some criticism for the way he’s tended to drop deep and almost act as more of a playmaker than a striker in recent times, though he also received plenty of praise for his creativity and the quality of his assists last term.
Clearly, Kane is very much capable of doing both, as his goal and assist stats last season showed, but when the goals dried up for him at the start of this campaign, it’s little surprise that that’s where pundits tended to point the finger.
The 28-year-old looked back to his best in the win at St James’ Park, however, and Crooks praised the way he focused more on his goal-scoring in this match.
How nice to see Harry Kane playing like a centre-forward again and not like an attacking midfield player. His goal against Newcastle in a cauldron of flag-waving Geordies was exactly why he must not only lead the line but always be available to hit.
“It has taken Kane a long time to return to what he previously was in a Tottenham shirt,” Crooks wrote on BBC Sport.
“Gross mismanagement of a transfer that really should have taken place has clearly taken its toll on the player.
“However, all that now seems like a bad dream and the England captain looks like he’s enjoying his club football again.
“His return to form was very unfortunate timing for Newcastle and their new owners as they were hoping for a positive result and a party to follow.”