The 2020 documentary “All or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur” offered a candid look into Harry Kane‘s mindset. In a private conversation with then-manager Jose Mourinho, Kane expressed, “At a club like Tottenham, we’ve had success, and I’m proud of my achievements, but I aspire to be like [Cristiano Ronaldo] or [Lionel Messi].”
While some may have ridiculed the English striker’s lofty ambition, Kane’s extraordinary performance has persisted, even amid the turmoil that followed Mauricio Pochettino’s exit in 2019. As he embarks on the 2025-26 season with Bayern Munich, where he has already netted 18 goals in just 10 matches, he is demonstrating form comparable to Messi and Ronaldo.
A closer examination of his overall contribution, however, reveals that his impressive scoring feats are only part of the story. Kane’s influence in the buildup of plays has never been more pronounced. While he continues to score, his involvement spans the entire attacking phase for Bayern, marking a significant evolution in his game and potentially his finest season to date.
With the highly anticipated Der Klassiker matchup against Borussia Dortmund approaching (12:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+), it’s time to explore how Kane’s role has shifted since his days at Spurs, its potential implications for England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and what lies ahead for him at the club level.
Filling a Musiala-shaped void
With star midfielder Jamal Musiala sidelined due to injury sustained during the Club World Cup, Kane has stepped up to fill the creative gap.
“When Jamal’s on the pitch, things operate differently. I used to let him drive forward, but now I have the opportunity to play deeper, utilize my ability to turn and play forward, and then arrive late in the box,” Kane remarked following Bayern’s victory over Eintracht Frankfurt.
His goal in that match showcased his awareness: he initially occupied Frankfurt’s defensive line before retreating near Joshua Kimmich, only to re-enter the attack as the ball reached Serge Gnabry near the penalty box, finishing from outside the area.
However, Kane’s contributions extend beyond just finishing late. He is becoming a vital part of Bayern’s buildup, frequently dropping deep to receive the ball from his defense.
In the ninth minute of the same match, Kane found himself in a left-back position, maneuvering past two defenders before assisting Gnabry, who was in space.
Kane’s ability to pull defenders into deeper areas has become a recurring element in his performances, allowing him to find attackers in open spaces while maintaining possession. He is both the initiator and finisher of plays, with his goal-scoring prowess thriving alongside his playmaking skills.
How Kane’s game has progressed
Throughout his career, Kane has demonstrated that he is more than just a goal-scorer; it just took time to showcase his diverse talents.
In the earlier stages of his career, particularly during his first two seasons in Germany, his approach primarily revolved around scoring goals. The latter part of his time at Tottenham saw glimpses of his capability to carry the ball and involve teammates.
Analyzing Kane’s heat maps from his final seasons at Tottenham illustrates his game evolution. He was predominantly active within the opponent’s half, focusing on touches in the box and scoring chances.
However, during his initial years at Bayern, his contributions were largely confined to the opponent’s half as he centered on his finishing skills.
In the 2025-26 season, his heat map reflects a broader impact on the match, with significant activity even inside his own half.
This season, statistics reveal that Kane is successfully melding his attacking and creative abilities. His progressive passes are comparable to his best years, and he has registered more touches in his own penalty area than ever before.
The strategy is clearly effective. Kane’s knack for arriving late has led to an increase in his expected assists and shot-creating actions, providing Bayern with essential creativity that has been lacking in their midfield, especially with Kimmich and Leon Goretzka not being particularly inventive. (All stats are per 90 minutes.)
His contributions in link-up play and hold-up play were often underestimated during his time at Tottenham, but now in Bavaria, those attributes are flourishing as he plays in areas typically occupied by Kimmich, successfully integrating his skill set.
Looking Ahead to the World Cup
Kane, along with England and coach Thomas Tuchel, are eager to claim an elusive trophy this summer, and they should not hesitate to utilize the “new” Harry Kane to achieve this. Alarmingly for their opponents, England may already be embracing this new strategy.
In a recent game against Serbia, Kane consistently occupied space among their back five, yet frequently drifted deeper to retrieve the ball.
In the early part of the World Cup, Tuchel may choose to deploy Kane in this deeper role to dismantle opposing defenses. By drawing a center-back out of position, quicker players like Anthony Gordon or Bukayo Saka can exploit the space behind. As the tournament progresses, if England advances, Kane could also be utilized more as a target man, as seen in the opening minute of the Serbia match when he won a long ball in the box.
Kane’s adaptability could be the key to breaking down deep defenses while also benefiting other attackers. Nevertheless, he must remain the striker capable of finishing in the box, as there is no other forward in the national team with his clinical finishing ability. Fortunately for England, he can fulfill both roles, presenting a tactical challenge for Tuchel.
What Lies Ahead at Club Level?
With Kane’s contract at Bayern Munich set to expire in 2027, both he and the club are contemplating the future. Bayern’s sporting director has indicated a potential extension, and as time passes without a new contract, speculation is likely to increase.
Looking ahead, Kane might consider returning to England to fulfill some unfinished business. Although he has played down the possibility of going back, there is a clear goal: to surpass Alan Shearer’s all-time goal record (260; Kane has 213) and strive for a Premier League title.
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Manchester City has Erling Haaland on their roster, and unless another club manages to sign him away from his substantial contract, he will remain pivotal for them. But what if manager Pep Guardiola were to combine Haaland and Kane?
Guardiola typically deploys four attackers with one holding midfielder behind Haaland, enabling fluid movement among the attackers. Kane could fit into this system, as defenses would struggle to allocate marks effectively.
The downside could be that it might exacerbate some issues City has faced regarding out-of-possession play. Their forward line has occasionally left significant gaps while pressing aggressively. While Kane is capable of pressing, it’s uncertain whether he would tackle well enough in a deeper role, particularly regarding positioning and closing down opponents.
Defensive teams are becoming adept at mastering space exploitation. Guardiola might not use both forwards pressing simultaneously, but much of City’s gameplay revolves around dictating tempo, placing emphasis on what Kane could bring in possession. This imaginative strategic potential may work well under Guardiola’s approach.
Regarding other Premier League clubs, Liverpool has acquired three new attackers and are searching for the right mix. Arsenal has been ruled out due to Kane’s connections with Spurs, leaving a possible romantic return to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. However, after experiencing his first taste of silverware, returning to his former club, or moving to Chelsea or Manchester United might feel like a step backward.
In other European leagues, with Serie A constrained by finances, Kane’s next challenge might involve taking on LaLiga with either Real Madrid or Barcelona. Both clubs are currently without a traditional No. 9 with the physicality and aerial prowess, aside from Robert Lewandowski at Barcelona, whose contract is set to expire in 2026. After Joselu departed Real Madrid, the club missed having a player of his caliber, as noted by Thibaut Courtois after a Champions League exit against Arsenal.
Coach Xabi Alonso possesses extensive talent at his disposal but adding Kane would intensify his selection challenges. Adjusting to not being the primary choice is unfamiliar territory for Kane, and given Lewandowski’s contract situation and Kylian Mbappé‘s excellent form, Barcelona could be a more appealing destination. However, it is easy to imagine Kane thriving alongside talents like Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Pedri, as they tend to create ample opportunities, though they occasionally lack precision in finishing. As the primary striker, Kane would seamlessly integrate into Barcelona’s dynamic attack.
Potential for a Longer Stay in Munich?
Given Kane’s current performance and stature as one of the world’s elite players, he fits well within a club competing for domestic titles and UEFA Champions League glory each season. Hence, he has expressed openness to extending his deal with Bayern Munich.
“As for staying longer [at Bayern], I can certainly see that,” he stated on Oct. 6. “I spoke candidly about how I haven’t yet had any discussions with Bayern, but if the opportunity arises, I would welcome a conversation.”
Despite being a hot prospect for numerous clubs, Kane has consistently conveyed his happiness in Germany — perhaps to the extent that he himself did not anticipate enjoying it this much.
While a return to England has always loomed, particularly after winning his first Bundesliga title, it is evident that his current priority is to achieve as much success as possible in Bavaria. With his remarkable adaptability, who knows if he could further extend his tenure and become a Bayern Munich legend?