Brad Friedel has recalled how one training session with a young Harry Kane convinced Tottenham that he would become a superstar.

The American former goalkeeper spent 18 years playing in England before hanging up his gloves with Spurs in 2015, meaning he and Kane were technically teammates.

4



Harry Kane may owe his career success to Brad FriedelCredit: AFP

While studying for his coaching badges, Friedel was in north London at the same time as Kane when he was trying to force his way into the first team fold.

WSL: Fowler double puts Man City in control at bottom side Bristol City	WSL: Fowler double puts Man City in control at bottom side Bristol City	‘Rightly so’: Alan Shearer shares brutally honest thoughts after Salah-Klopp fall out

After mixed loan spells with Leyton Orient, Norwich and Leicester, the striker was facing an uncertain future with Tottenham due to being unable to break into the starting XI.

But speaking on talkSPORT Drive, Friedel told the story of how he may have boosted Kane's hopes of becoming a first-team regular at Spurs.

Responding to Jason Cundy calling him the best no.9 in the world, Friedel said: “I would agree.

“When I was finishing at Tottenham and I was finishing my coaching badges – my UEFA B, UEFA A and my pro licence – I think it was between my B and my A that Harry was still in the under-21s as it was back then and coming into the first team.

“He wanted to stay behind to do finishing all the time with John McDermott who I think is one of the best youth developers in world football,and he is now technical director of the FA.

“We came in after one of the trainings and he said, ‘who was good’ and I said ‘Kane’.

He said, ‘anyone else?’ and I said ‘no, Harry Kane’.

“I said he’s got the pace of Shearer’s shot and the back-lift of Robbie Fowler.

Arsenal in summer transfer kitty boost as London rivals secure Premier League safety

Ex-Premier League striker Troy Deeney set for dramatic career change in new sport

Ex-Liverpool player fined and banned from Werder Bremen first team until end of season

Keane called Ferguson out over my Man United exit - but he made the right call

4

The striker took his opportunity when moved into the senior sideCredit: Getty

4

Kane struggled to break into Tottenham's plans before a word from Friedel changed things

4

Friedel spotted Kane's potential and made sure they knew how good he was

“If you ever played as a goalkeeper against Robbie Fowler his back-lift is tiny and you don’t have time to get your feet set and the ball is by you before you even know.

“He (Fowler) was so accurate at hitting the corners as we know from his own goal record and Shearer, I don’t even think he looked up at the goalkeeper.

Bayern Munich's Harry Kane responds to Arsenal fans chanting anti-Tottenham song during live TV interview

“He just smashed the ball and if the goalkeeper could save it then fair play to him.

I wouldn’t say Spurs were questioning it but he (McDermott) sat up in his chair and wanted to know more about why a player who had played so many Premier League games just said that about one of his academy players where there may have been some questions.

“They weren’t about if he was a good pro or if he’d have a professional career, but if he was going to be the best no.9 in the world.

“If you were saving his shot it was a great save.”

Kane went on to become Tottenham's all-time top goalscorer during his time at the club with 280 to his name before leaving for Bayern Munich last summer.

Since then he has scored a staggering 39 goals for the German side with Bayern hoping to go all the way in the Champions League.


For more news relating to Arsenal, visit our sister site AFC Latest Live.