LONDON: Harry Kane and Tottenham have been told to prove themselves against the “best team in the world” by Mauricio Pochettino as they prepare to face Real Madrid in the Champions League tonight.
Both Kane and Spurs have been in fine form, with the striker scoring 13 goals in 10 club and international games during September and his side unbeaten in their past nine games in all competitions.
A Champions League match against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, however, is a completely different proposition than playing at home to Swansea or away to Apoel Nicosia. And the Spurs boss has told his players to raise their game against the Spanish giants.
“For sure it is a chance to measure ourselves. We are facing the best team in the world,” Pochettino said.
“We are a young team with many internationals, but not so much experience of playing these type of games. It is a fundamental test.”
Much of the North London club’s good run is down to the form of Kane. The 24 year old netted his first Champions League hat-trick against Apoel last time out and such has been his scoring frenzy that he is being talked about in such grand terms as being close to being on par with Lionel Messi and Real’s main threat, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Kane’s 13-goal deluge in September matched the best ever goalscoring month by the Argentine ace and Portuguese star.
Indeed the never-ending rumor mill had Kane as a mega-money move to Real a few weeks ago. And where better to prove his worth and talent than in one of the toughest stadiums to play?
That is the message Pochettino has given his main man ahead of tonight’s kick-off.
“He is one of the most in-form strikers in the world for sure. The numbers speak for themselves,” Pochettino said.
“He has a great ability to sore goals and an incredible determination.”
“He is a great professional who is always looking to get better.
“In the next 10 years he is going to be among the best strikers in the world because he has that determination on top of his quality.”
Kane himself is all too aware of the challenge he faces, not just against Real but many years beyond.
“I want to be one of the best players in the world, so when people put stuff up and I see I am close to those players it is a great incentive to get even closer and go to the next step,” Kane said after netting his sixth hat-trick of the season against Apoel.
“Staying consistent at the top level is what it’s all about.”
Kane and Spurs told to prove their class
Kane and Spurs told to prove their class
Australia injury woes continue with skipper Marsh ruled out of World Cup opener
- Former captain Steve Smith will join squad in Sri Lanka as cover while Travis Head captains team
- Marsh sustained direct blow to the groin during training earlier this week, Cricket Australia says
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh will miss the opening game of their Twenty20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on Wednesday with a groin injury, Cricket Australia (CA) said.
Steve Smith will now join the squad in Sri Lanka as cover, with fellow batsman Travis Head captaining the side at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium and Matthew Renshaw coming into the team.
Marsh sustained a direct blow to the groin during training earlier this week and is experiencing pain and discomfort which is restricting his movement, the board added.
“Scans have confirmed internal testicular bleeding, and he will require a period of rest and rehabilitation. His return to play will be guided by symptom resolution and medical advice,” CA said in a statement.
Head said at the toss later that Marsh was unlucky to miss out and appeared to play down the seriousness of the injury. He did not give a timeline for his teammate’s return.
“Unfortunately Mitchie Marsh has copped a blow at training a couple of days ago and no one has been willing to massage it out for him,” Head joked after winning the toss and opting to bat.
“He’s the unfortunate one but the rest (of the side) is the same. It’s nice to have a couple of boys back from the Pakistan series. Strong team and we’re looking forward to going well.”
Australia are also without fast bowler Pat Cummins, who was ruled out of the event after failing to recover from a niggling back injury. Fellow seamer Josh Hazlewood lost a race to be fit after Achilles and hamstring injuries.
Mitchell Starc has quit the format, leaving them without their top quick bowlers.
The big-hitting Tim David was also ruled out of the first game as he returns from a hamstring strain.
The 2021 champions take on Zimbabwe in their second match on Friday.
