Football
John Brewin, ESPN FC 7y

Mauricio Pochettino: Harry Kane 'is one of the best strikers in the world'

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino believes Harry Kane has everything it takes to be one of Europe's top strikers and is well on his way to becoming a club legend.

Kane scored a first-half hat trick as Spurs beat Stoke City 4-0 at White Hart Lane to take his tally for the Premier League season to 17.

"I think he's one of the best," Pochettino said. "I am very pleased for him, he deserves it. He is very professional, a top man. I tell you many times that he is one of the best strikers in the world.

"I think Harry has the profile to be a legend here, maybe he has started to be a legend here with all the goals he's scoring and how he behaves, how professional he is."

Kane's treble made it 41 goals in his last 50 matches, with his first strike meaning he passed 100 professional goals in 219 matches. He also laid on Tottenham's fourth for Dele Alli, who was able to put his red card during Thursday's Europa League exit against Gent behind him.

"Our conversation is private but you can imagine," Pochettino said about how he addressed the midfielder after a red card for a challenge on Brecht Dejaegere.

"I gave more love than normal. He's very mature, and he showed his maturity. He was very sad, very disappointed. He is just 20 years old, I would support him always.

"For me, he is one of the best younger players in the world. I will always protect [him]. Sometimes he can make a mistake but I want him on the pitch and I want him next to me."

Spurs' victory lifted them into second in the Premier League, 10 points behind Chelsea and Pochettino wants to be ready in case the league leaders slip up.

"The target is to keep going and be there if anything happens with Chelsea," he said. "The objective is to catch them up but you need to be very close to take the possibility."

It was Spurs' eighth win in succession at White Hart Lane, which they will leave this summer for a temporary, season-long residence at Wembley before moving to a new stadium being constructed next door.

"This season we are normally winning games or we are playing very well," Pochettino said. "Maybe because we all, the supporters, the players, the staff, know it is the last season here, and it is a very special stadium. That helps a team play well."

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