Harry Kane backed to end England’s long Ballon d’Or wait by Bayern teammate
Harry Kane has done enough to become the first Englishman in 25 years to win the Ballon d’Or, according to Bayern Munich team-mate Serge Gnabry.
The England captain is a leading candidate for football’s most prestigious individual accolade, set to be presented in London on Monday, having scored 73 goals for club and country last season.
The former Tottenham striker prepares to face familiar opponents Arsenal in the Champions League league phase on Wednesday evening at the Allianz Arena.
Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany is a doubt for the encounter after a virus kept him out of training and pre-match media commitments, with assistant coach Aaron Danks potentially stepping in to manage.
"It would be lovely, you always wish it for a team-mate of yours to have that success or to get that trophy," former Gunners winger Gnabry said when asked about Kane’s Ballon d’Or prospects.
"Has he done enough? I think you always talk about a lot of different markers as to what is needed to win the Ballon d’Or.
"But he had an incredible year, so for me of course he’s done enough. He’s showed his quality and he’s a key player to our team so those are big attributes to win such a trophy. I would wish it for him, for sure."
Michael Owen remains the last Englishman to claim the Ballon d’Or, doing so in 2001 as the fourth overall after Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton and Kevin Keegan.
Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe feature among Kane’s chief competitors for the award.
Bayern assistant Danks also praised Kane’s standing.
"I am really biased because I am an Englishman but for me to work with Harry is a privilege," said Danks. "His all-round game is at such a high level.
"He can be our best defender in training if he wants. He can be our best playmaker. He can go and score goals. I have learnt a lot working with him."
Kane has netted 15 career goals against Arsenal, 14 of which came during his time at Spurs.
Looking ahead to facing the Gunners, the 33-year-old told Bayern’s website: "When you’re playing against one of the best teams in Europe, you always have to savour moments like this.
"We’re up for the challenge. We’re playing here at home – the energy, the fans – it’s sure to be a special night."
Bayern’s build-up to hosting the Premier League champions has been affected by Kompany’s illness.
Danks, a former Aston Villa and Middlesbrough coach, previously stepped in when Kompany served a suspension against Paris St Germain during last season’s Champions League semi-finals.
"Vince has had a virus and it’s been really important that he rests, and getting Vince to rest is a difficult challenge," said Danks.
"I’m still unsure of his involvement tomorrow but we’re in constant communication. He’ll play his role in the game – whether that’s at the Allianz or not we have to wait to see. I will be in communication with Vince [during the match] in some way, shape or form."
Michael Olise is unavailable for Bayern through suspension following his red card during last week’s 3-3 draw away to Norwegian club Viking.
Joshua Kimmich is a doubt having missed training for personal reasons, while goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will be assessed.
