Harry Kane says striker Tottenham signed for £9m is the best finisher he’s ever seen
Harry Kane Ranks Jermain Defoe as the Best Finisher He’s Ever Seen While Crafting the ‘Perfect Striker’
There’s no denying that Harry Kane has cemented his legacy as one of the finest strikers to ever grace the game. The prolific Englishman has shattered records for both club and country — he’s England’s all-time top goalscorer, he holds the same title at Tottenham Hotspur, and more recently, he added a Bundesliga title to his glittering CV with Bayern Munich. His consistent excellence and clinical touch in front of goal have earned him recognition as one of the elite forwards in world football.
With such experience and pedigree, Kane is in a unique position to assess what makes a truly exceptional striker. In a recent interview with Goal, the Bayern Munich star was asked to piece together his vision of the “perfect striker” — blending traits from various players he has played with or against during his illustrious career.
Naturally, Kane has encountered a host of world-class forwards, from generational stars to ruthless goal machines. So when he was asked to name the best finisher he has ever seen, many expected names like Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, or even the likes of Luis Suárez. But Kane’s response was surprisingly nostalgic and perhaps a touch sentimental — he named Jermain Defoe as the best finisher he’s ever played alongside.
A Surprising Choice: Defoe Over Global Icons
While it might catch some off guard, Kane’s admiration for Defoe is rooted in first-hand experience. The two shared the pitch during their time at Tottenham, and Kane clearly holds Defoe’s finishing instincts in high regard. Despite having faced modern goal-scoring giants like Haaland and Mbappé — players known for their breathtaking goal tallies — Kane highlighted Defoe’s ability to consistently find the net with both precision and flair.
Defoe may not boast the same global superstardom as some of the names mentioned above, but his goal-scoring record speaks volumes. Signed by Spurs for just £9 million, Defoe proved to be a bargain and one of the club’s most reliable forwards over the years. His sharpness in and around the box, quick feet, and lethal shot selection made him a nightmare for defenders during his peak.
Building the Ideal Striker: Kane’s Selections
In addition to Defoe’s finishing, Kane offered more insight into the attributes he would use to assemble the ultimate striker. For raw pace, he singled out Kylian Mbappé, whose blistering speed continues to terrorize defenses across Europe. For heading ability, Peter Crouch received a nod — a choice that again reflects Kane’s Tottenham roots, as Crouch was known for his aerial prowess during his spell at Spurs.
Edinson Cavani also earned a special mention, presumably for his intelligent movement, tireless work rate, and knack for scoring crucial goals in big moments.
Interestingly, some of Kane’s picks reflect more than just pure statistics — they reveal a personal connection to his footballing journey, particularly his time at Tottenham. While players like Wayne Rooney and Didier Drogba might be more obvious choices in such discussions due to their accolades and consistent performances on the biggest stages, Kane opted for a more sentimental route, championing players like Defoe and Crouch, who played important roles during his formative years.
Tottenham Influence Still Evident
Despite his current allegiance to Bayern Munich, it’s clear that Harry Kane still carries a deep fondness for Tottenham Hotspur — the club that nurtured him and shaped much of his career. His inclusion of former Spurs teammates in this fantasy striker reveals not only their impact on him professionally, but perhaps also emotionally.
Kane’s comments provide a fascinating glimpse into how professional footballers view greatness. While the world often obsesses over flashy stats and global fame, Kane’s selections are grounded in respect for the subtleties of the game — the ability to finish under pressure, the movement off the ball, and the unteachable instincts that make a striker truly great.
Whether it’s sentiment or sincerity — or perhaps a combination of both — Kane’s praise for Jermain Defoe as the greatest finisher he’s ever seen is a testament to the lasting impression certain players can leave, even in a career surrounded by modern-day icons.