Tottenham news: Pundit spots major Harry Kane ‘change’ after ‘huge’ Antonio Conte move
Antonio Conte deserves “huge” credit for transforming the fortunes of Tottenham striker Harry Kane, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 28-year-old is “back to his very best” after Conte “changed his role”.
Kane netted a brace on Saturday (5 February) as Tottenham booked their FA Cup fifth-round place with a 3-1 win over Brighton.
Speaking at a press conference and quoted by Sky Sports on Tuesday (8 February), Conte labelled the striker “world-class” and claimed he is trying to make him “better and better”.
Whelan suggested the England captain has been “doing a lot more work within that 18-yard box” since Conte’s arrival.
“It’s huge from Conte because he’s a manager who brings the best out of players,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“He’s got the man-management skills and he’s really put a lot of trust and belief in Kane.
“There was no way Kane was going to continue this goal drought all season. But at the same time, you’ve got to give credit to Conte for changing his role and getting him back in the goals.
“He’s doing a lot more work within that 18-yard box. That’s where he is a lot more potent and deadly.
“Before Conte, he was trying to carry the whole team for the whole 90 minutes. That’s commendable, but he wasn’t getting the best out of himself.
“He’s using that energy where it really counts – the final third. That is ultimately where you see the very best of Harry Kane.
“Conte has taken some of the load from his shoulders and placed a bit more emphasis on the midfielders doing their job and creating chances.”
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