Bayern Munich’s manager Vincent Kompany praised Harry Kane on Monday, stating that the England captain continues to improve with age ahead of their high-stakes Champions League semi-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain.
Kane has netted an impressive 12 goals in just 11 Champions League outings this season, including vital contributions in both legs of the sensational quarter-final triumph over Real Madrid.
In total, he has scored 53 goals in 45 matches across all competitions for Bayern since the start of the season.
These statistics are remarkable for any player, particularly one approaching his 33rd birthday in July and often dropping deep to engage in the play rather than merely saving his energy for scoring opportunities.
“He was an extraordinary goal-scorer, a striker capable of finding the back of the net from any position, whether through headers, with either foot, or long-range shots,” said Kompany, reflecting on how his view of Kane has evolved since the striker’s departure from England in 2023.
“His finishing has always been respected, and so has his leadership, as he has embraced that role for both his club and country.
“What we’ve come to notice more is his distribution, work rate for the team, and overall game intelligence.
“Blending that aspect of his gameplay with the numbers he produces is no small feat, as it requires him to help the team progress while ensuring he still makes it into the box, which is quite challenging.
“This is a facet of his game we’ve been able to appreciate, and perhaps it was underestimated during his time in England. He’s ageing like fine wine, and I’m truly enjoying watching this side of his game flourish with us.”
Kane and Bayern return to Paris, where they secured a 2-1 victory during the league phase in November. On that occasion, the former Tottenham Hotspur star was overshadowed by Luis Diaz, who scored both goals for his team before being shown a red card.
The teams also faced off twice last season, with Bayern clinching a 1-0 win in Munich during the Champions League league phase in November 2024, before PSG took revenge with a victory in the Club World Cup quarter-finals in the USA.
‘Always very tight’
“Every match against them has always been closely contested – we’ve won a few, they’ve won one, but each game was so tight that the results could have easily been different,” admitted Kompany.
“Luis Enrique (the PSG manager) mentioned that it’s about the details, and that’s never been truer.”
Bayern have already claimed the Bundesliga title and are through to the final of the German Cup, while PSG is on the verge of clinching yet another French championship as they pursue consecutive Champions League victories.
“There are no miraculous solutions or quick fixes. The only advantage we have is that we’ve faced Paris multiple times, but the same applies to them,” Kompany remarked when asked about how to neutralise the French side.
“They excel in counter-attacks and positional play, but if you examine our team, we possess those same qualities.”
Kompany will not be on the touchline for this match due to a suspension following a caution against Real in the quarter-finals, and Bayern will also be without Raphael Guerreiro and Serge Gnabry.
The absence of Gnabry means Jamal Musiala is poised to start, facing the side against whom he sustained a leg injury during their clash in the Club World Cup last July.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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