Matthäus hails Kane: "In this form he can win the Ballon d'Or" | OneFootball

Lothar Matthäus is absolutely thrilled with Harry Kane. In his current Sky column, the record national player raves in the highest terms about the Bayern star – and compares his influence on the game to that of Manuel Neuer.

In Bayern’s 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund, Harry Kane was once again the decisive man. The Englishman not only scored the opening goal, but also impressed as a complete footballer. For Lothar Matthäus, one thing is clear: “I don’t see a better striker in the world right now. Not just because of his goals, but because of his versatility and the positions he occupies.”

Kane is much more than a classic goal scorer: “He also shows qualities as a provider, in dribbling, and in duels. He is simultaneously a goal scorer, playmaker, box-to-box player, and fighter.”

“I’ve never seen Haaland and Mbappé tackle like Kane”

Photo: IMAGO/Maximilian Koch | Photo: IMAGO/Maximilian Koch,

Matthäus was particularly impressed by Kane’s passion on defense: “I’ve never seen Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé slide tackle in their own penalty area like Kane did in the 88th minute against Dortmund. You also don’t see 50-meter passes from Haaland and Mbappé. The chip balls that the FCB star can play, I haven’t seen from the other two yet.”

According to Matthäus, the 32-year-old also benefits from the new tactical freedom under Vincent Kompany: “I believe Kane has become even better because he can act as a free spirit. Under Thomas Tuchel, he may not have had the freedoms at Bayern that he now gets – or takes – under Kompany.”

“Kane has reinvented the center-forward role”

Matthäus sees Kane as one of the most complete players of the present – and even thinks he could win the Ballon d’Or: “When you look at Kane’s performances, you wonder why he only finished 13th in the Ballon d’Or voting. If he keeps this up, he could win the trophy next year – but that only happens together with the team’s success.”

For the record national player, it’s clear: “Robert Lewandowski won the Champions League with Bayern in 2020 and was named World Footballer of the Year, but you can’t compare the two. Kane has reinvented the center-forward role – just as Manuel Neuer reinvented goalkeeping a decade and a half ago.”

In conclusion, Matthäus called on the Bayern bosses to take action: “Kane is 32, his contract runs until 2027. I would extend with him, and as quickly as possible.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.