Kane enjoying fresh Bayern position ahead of Arsenal matchup
Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane heads back to north London on Wednesday to take on former adversaries Arsenal, seemingly in peak condition after shifting to a more withdrawn role.
Renowned for steady scoring, the England skipper has evolved into a fuller contributor at Bayern, taking on extra playmaking and shielding responsibilities.
The 32-year-olds performance plays a major part in Bayerns impressive launch to the season.
The Bundesliga title holders have triumphed in 17 and tied one of their 18 fixtures across all tournaments this term, with Kane featuring in each.
Kane, boasting 15 strikes in 21 outings versus Arsenal, could prove vital in breaching the Gunners robust backline.
Mikel Artetas outfit remains the sole side yet to yield in the Champions League this year. In the Premier League, Arsenal have allowed merely six strikes, the tightest mark among Europes elite five divisions.
Kane continues delivering outstanding figures this term, netting 24 in 18 Bayern outings plus five from five for England.
Yet Kanes tally reveals just a fraction of his influence this season.
Keen to retreat into deeper areas, Kane has frequently operated as an inventive midfielder under Bayern manager Vincent Kompany, positioned behind either Nicolas Jackson or Serge Gnabry.
Intentionally or otherwise, with Jamal Musiala sidelined by a fractured ankle since the Club World Cup, this adjustment has liberated Kanes abilities, and the England leader is relishing it.
"I realise Im not solely a finisher," Kane remarked following Saturdays turnaround 6-2 victory against Freiburg. "I can influence the squad through distribution, duels, and easing the sides burden.
"This marks the peak of my enjoyment in the sport since Im engaged far more. I adore our approach. An intensely pressing manner, devoid of hesitation.
"I relish intercepting, aiding the group, and thwarting attempts along with that aspect.
"Naturally, Ill be evaluated on strikes, but I believe, particularly this term, folks will value my additional contributions too."
Kane must bear greater scoring responsibility with Luis Diaz, scorer of both Bayern goals in their 2-1 triumph over Paris Saint-Germain, banned for three Champions League ties after his dismissal for a challenge on Achraf Hakimi.
Quite familiar ground
Kane joined Bayern in 2023 having progressed at Tottenham, after being let go by north London opponents Arsenal during his youth.
"I spent a couple of years there and was let out," Kane noted on Saturday, yet he avoided citing the dismissal as fuel.
"Its simply a component of the football path. That occurred 20 years back, ages ago.
"Weve advanced considerably since."
Kane encountered Arsenal in the 2023-24 Champions League quarter-finals, converting a spot-kick as Bayern prevailed across the ties.
"Its quite accustomed ground for me. After such a lengthy stint at Tottenham, it injects extra intensity into the fixture," Kane commented.
Bayern soar yet they remain exposed to dead-ball scenarios, an area where Arsenal excels markedly.
Bayern have leaked four goals across their last two matches, all stemming from set pieces.
Arsenal have tallied 24 in the Premier League this season, with 10 arising from dead balls.
Kompany conceded his team faces a "problem" with stationary situations, stating: "You cannot conceal it, all witnessed it. Arsenals scouts will spot it as well.
"We must display resolve, grit, and handle those elements. Yet I trust our group."