Former Liverpool striker and Sky Sports pundit Robbie Fowler has claimed that Tottenham’s Harry Kane is not even the best striker in the Premier League – behind the Reds’ Mohamed Salah and Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero – after Gareth Southgate boldly named him the “best goalscorer in the world.”
The England hitman sent Southgate and his team through to the semi finals of the Nations League during the international break, firing home a late winner against Croatia to seal the victory necessary to qualify.
Speaking after the game, the Three Lions boss claimed he was the “best goalscorer in the world,” but Fowler insists there are a number of forwards around the globe – including in England – who lay claim to that title ahead of the Spurs ace.
He told Sky Sports’ The Debate (19/11, 22:30): “I don’t think he is (the best in the world). In terms of being a top class striker there’s no doubt about that, but in terms of being the best goalscorer, I think there may be a few other top class players out there.
“I don’t even think he’s the best in the Premier League, if I’m being honest. I think Aguero’s an outstanding finisher, you mentioned Salah who’s a wonderful finisher too, but I know why Gareth’s said it.”
Opinion
There can be little doubt that Kane has been one of the biggest success stories of the past five years in the Premier League, and his rise to fame has been nothing short of outstanding. His ability to get the ball into the back of the net by hook or by crook, with a mix of wonderful finishers and poacher’s efforts which simply require him to be in the right time and place, is clear as day, but there are so many other top quality talents who have shown the same over numerous seasons. At the end of the day it comes down to how many goals he has scored and while Mohamed Salah might have pipped him to the top flight golden boot last season, Kane did pick up the same award at the World Cup, as well as the two Premier League honours prior to the Egyptian. Perhaps there is an argument against Fowler, but there is little doubting that Kane has some serious competition before laying claim to the title of the Premier League’s top goalscorer. As for the world, he has plenty more to prove.