Tottenham can join Harry Kane at the highest level... but must reward him with money or titles

Jack Rosser @JackRosser_26 December 2017

Harry Kane made Premier League history on Boxing Day when, with his second hat-trick in three days, the Tottenham striker surpassed Alan Shearer’s record of league goals in a calendar year.

Not only did the Spurs and England striker break Shearer’s record of 22 years, but he also broke a nine-year run of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo taking top spot for goals scored in a calendar year, for both club and country, across Europe after taking his tally for 2017 to 56.

Yes, football is not played in calendar years and, yes, there is no title or trophy for such an achievement. But that’s just what it is, an achievement - and a remarkable one at that.

In 2012 Messi scored an astonishing 91 goals in all competitions, while Kane was watching from afar on loan at Millwall and Norwich. While his tally of 56 does not match the heights Messi reached five years ago, it’s a clear sign of how far he, and Tottenham, have progressed.

The treble against Southampton was his eighth of the year. Such formidable form has meant that Kane has not only scored more goals than Messi, he’s done it in 11 fewer games, too. To further underline the point; some strikers go their entire careers without scoring three times in a game and Kane has done it eight times in 2017 alone.

His topping the European table will serve as a timely reminder to all at the club of just what they’ve got on their hands. For months now Mauricio Pochettino, who continues to demand more from his striker and sends examples of how the 24-year-old can improve and learn from those he now outscores via WhatsApp late at night, has heralded Kane as world class.

This past year, in which the England international has also seen the birth of his first child and got engaged to his long-term girlfriend, has silenced any who proclaimed him to be anything less than world class. Jan Vertonghen congratulated the "one season wonder" after the game today.

Further testament to the forward is his attitude. There has never once been an inkling that there’s a desire to leave Tottenham behind, despite persistent suggestions that’s what must be done in order to win trophies.

It’s clear that Kane wants to be the one to lead Spurs into their new stadium next season, as the leading man, the poster boy and the shining example of what this team can achieve. Danny Rose confirmed as much late last season. His attitude is something that must now be rewarded from the powers that be.

In Pictures | Premier League Boxing Day fixtures | 26/12/2017

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A lot has been made of Daniel Levy’s way of doing things. According to reports, Kane is paid less than any of the other top-five scorers in European football thanks to Levy’s strict wage structure.

Europe's top scorers in 2017

Goals - Name - Wage*

56 - Kane  - £100k
54 - Messi - £500k
53 - Lewandowski - £120k
53 - Ronaldo - £365k
53 - Cavani - £115k

(* Reported figures)

It’s a system that has seen players leave, and others have their head turned over the last year. Money is not everything at Tottenham, there is a sense that in Pochettino and this group of players they have a side which can take on the world.

However, there will come a time when more money is on the mind of each and every player in this side. This is not to say the system should be scrapped totally. It has clearly worked since Pochettino’s arrival and seen the club grow to another level.

There will need to be a rethink soon, though. Kane’s goals have forced him into the highest echelon of European footballers. In keeping their top scorer, and those around him who allow such records to be broken, happy over the coming years can see Tottenham force their way into the same bracket.

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