Is Harry Kane suffering from second season syndrome? He has scored only one goal in eight appearances in the Premier League so far, yet his international record is three goals in four appearances. What on earth does Mauricio Pochettino need to do to support this struggling striker?
Pochettino really shouldn’t be panicking. Rewind to last season and Kane wasn’t involved in the first team until November. Therefore, there is time for a couple of barren months before a repeat of last season’s showing returns to the stage. Kane didn’t hit thirty goals last season by a stroke of luck. A striker that can hit that total in a season is one with quality, professionalism and determination. These are three qualities that mean Kane can get through this barren mire he currently resides in.
But, just like in a mire, the more Kane struggles, the harder it is for him to get out. Similarly, the more complicated and the harder Kane works to try and solve this goal crisis, the smaller the likelihood of him getting back to that purple patch. One of Kane’s greatest attributes is his hard work and to cut it out of his game would be counter-intuitive, so therefore another solution is required.
Should Tottenham rest Kane? Son Heung-Min has proved that he can score goals although after his injury Spurs might want to ease him back into action carefully. There is some solid reasoning for giving Kane a few matches on the bench. Firstly, a hectic summer has stolen away a large proportion of Kane’s holiday time, which may be a reason for his current downfall. Secondly, Kane has been an effective substitute for England and could help to shake up Spurs’ second half. But, if Son isn’t fit enough, then Pochettino is going to have a torrid time trying to select another striker. Clinton N’Jie and Nacer Chadli would be two candidates for the striker role but arguably aren’t as effective as a real striker would be. N’Jie did play up top against Swansea in the final portion of the game; his pace and skills looked dangerous, yet his height and physicality was insufficient to allow him to effectively play the lone striker role.
The form of Christian Eriksen may help to ease Kane’s goalscoring woes. Eriksen may have grabbed headlines by scoring two free-kicks against Swansea, but his overall form seems to have picked up after his own barren stretch. Eriksen is the one truly creative player that Spurs have, who has the vision to pick out passes not many other players can. Perhaps this creativeness may help to provide an extra supply route to Kane. In addition, Eriksen could help to ease the goal burden from Kane’s shoulders, in turn allowing the young Englishman to relax and play his best football.
Is Harry Kane suffering from second season syndrome? No-one could say until the season is over. There is an abundance of time for Kane to get back on track. Kane is a hardworking, professional striker who knows where the goal is. All of his hard work should convert into goals soon enough.
