One of the Best Young Strikers in the World: Tottenham’s Very Own, Harry Kane
The Rise of Harry Kane
It was only recently that Arsène Wenger, found out that Harry Kane was released from Arsenal’s youth academy as a youngster. To say that Wenger was a bit perplexed that Kane would be released at a young age is an understatement. Here’s what the 66-year-old French manager had to say before the first north London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham in the 2015-16 Premier League season on November 8th:
"“I didn’t know, I read it in the papers [last year],” Wenger told reporters. “I found it quite funny, you know, and you are always a bit angry as well because I asked: ‘Why did he go?’ “But at nine years of age, boys can move here and there. Some people move from Tottenham to Arsenal. At youth level, because their parents find a different job, they often move somewhere else. “How good can he be? I don’t know. I don’t know who you could compare him with but I think he can be a top player. He has top qualities and I think he will make a great career.”"
Of course, it’s easy to say no one could have predicted Harry Kane’s rise and the current trajectory that he’s been on — and should maintain for years to come. But honestly it’s not. Remember, Arsenal’s youth academy coaches and staff, weren’t patient enough to see if Kane would pan out.
That’s why it’s best to wait these things out until youth players become 16 at a minimum. Why? Well here’s a compilation of people’s reactions to Harry Kane’s development as he rose through Tottenham’s youth ranks.
Next: Harry Kane's Climb Through the Youth Academy Ranks