Harry Kane Discusses Impact Of Messi And Ronaldo On Number Nine Roles In Football

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Harry Kane attributes the scarcity of traditional number nines in football today to the influence of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. He believes these two icons have inspired young players to become wingers rather than strikers. Kane, however, has made a strong case for himself as one of the top number nines by scoring his 50th Bundesliga goal in Bayern Munich's recent 3-0 victory over Augsburg.

Kane reached this milestone in just 43 matches, breaking Erling Haaland's previous record of 50 goals during his time at Borussia Dortmund. "The game is changing a little bit," Kane told TNT Sport Brazil. "The way coaching is now [means] a lot of players grow up wanting to be wingers." He noted that Messi and Ronaldo have long dominated from the wings, influencing many aspiring players.

Reflecting on his own development, Kane mentioned how he grew up watching some of the world's best strikers, which inspired him to pursue the number nine role. "That's just the way football goes," he remarked. He acknowledged that tactical shifts have led some managers to use false nines or hybrid positions instead of traditional strikers.

Kane has certainly adapted well, becoming a complete striker. Of his 50 Bundesliga goals, 10 were penalties, while 32 came from his right foot, nine from his left, and nine with his head. He also became Bayern's fastest player to reach 50 league goals, surpassing Robert Lewandowski's record by an impressive 21 games.

The England captain is preparing for a Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday. He drew inspiration from Brazilian legend Ronaldo during his formative years. "I think we're totally different players in the way we play," Kane said. However, he admired Ronaldo's finishing skills and movement with the ball.

"His dribbling ability. His movement. I think he was as good as anyone in the world," Kane added, acknowledging Ronaldo's superior pace and skill compared to himself. Growing up, Kane watched all the top strikers globally and found joy in emulating parts of Ronaldo's game while developing his own style.

Kane's journey highlights how football evolves with each generation influenced by its stars. While Messi and Ronaldo have shaped today's wingers, Kane continues to excel as a traditional striker by learning from past greats like Ronaldo.