by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Harry Kane is receiving widespread praise after becoming the first Englishman to score 10 goals in a UEFA Champions League season, leading Bayern Munich to the quarterfinals.
It is no surprise that the 31-year-old's post-game interviews often turn into media scrums, with national and international reporters crowding around to hear his thoughts.
Having scored in Bayern's 2-0 win at Bayer Leverkusen, leading his team to a 5-0 aggregate win in their round of 16 tie, Kane appeared like a confident student facing a panel of teachers in a final exam. He answered every question with precision, often smiling, while acknowledging the challenges ahead in Bayern's next match against Inter Milan.
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany hailed his striker as "the best Kane ever," while German media praised the club's investment in the England captain. The Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper described Bayern's 100 million euro transfer fee as "the best investment in the club's history," crediting Kane with elevating the team's chances of winning the Champions League.
Over two legs against 2023-24 Bundesliga champion Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern not only reasserted itself as the top club in Germany, but Kane also shed his reputation for failing to score in big games.
"Three against Dortmund, three against Stuttgart, three against Leverkusen, goals against Real Madrid, Arsenal and Lazio," Kane said with a smile, listing his accomplishments.
"Now we are back," Bayern board member Max Eberl said, while Kompany praised his star forward for maintaining youthful energy despite his experience.
"This energy helps," Kompany said. While Bayern holds an eight-point lead in the Bundesliga, making a title win almost inevitable, Kane's 21 goals in 23 games have reignited the club's hopes of winning this season's Champions League.
Fans and media are already discussing the possibility of a "final at home," with the tournament's championship match set to take place at Munich's Allianz Arena in May. Kane, however, remains focused on his overall contributions.
"I'm not just about goals; I know my value to the team," he said. Heat maps confirm his involvement across the entire pitch, and his assist for Bayern's second goal in their latest match highlighted his playmaking ability.
Kane's composure has helped stabilize a Bayern team that has struggled with consistency. "Finally, inner peace," the club's social media account posted.
Winning the 2024-25 Bundesliga title would mark Kane's first major trophy. A Champions League victory in Munich would solidify his status as a Bayern legend, especially after the club's heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Chelsea in the 2012 final on home soil.
This time, things could be different. Europe's most reliable penalty taker is wearing a Bayern shirt, with Kane having converted all 13 of his penalties this season. ■
