In Focus: King Kane is shining behind the scenes

Harry Kane is enjoying one of his best-ever starts to a Premier League season, scoring eight times in nine matches.

But the form of Manchester City sensation Erling Haaland is largely overshadowing what would otherwise be viewed as a stellar start for the England skipper.

Kane is keen to keep himself in top condition with the World Cup on the horizon and he will be hoping to continue scoring right up until the November start date.

Ahead of Tottenham's Champions League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt tonight, we turn the spotlight on Spurs' formidable No10.

Right place, right time

Questions have been asked of Kane over his whole career and each time the forward has answered them with his world-class performances.

Under Antonio Conte, the 29-year-old has enjoyed a return to Champions League football for the first time since 2019 and his contributions have been essential in helping the North London side rise up the table.

Notably, all but one of Kane's eight goals in the current campaign have come from inside the penalty box — a stark contrast to previous seasons.

His positioning has clearly adapted to suit the style of play under Conte, and the 75-cap international is reaping the rewards.

Kane's goal in the 1-0 win over Brighton on Saturday exemplified how most of his goals have been scored this season — either with his head or in and around the six-yard box.

This can be put down to the creative work of the likes of Ivan Perisic and Emerson Royal, who are providing numerous crosses because of their attacking nature.

More to come

It would be fair to suggest that Spurs have not hit their previous heights so far this season, which makes Kane's goal tally even more impressive.

This is his best return after nine games and even he has not looked at the top of his game.

Averaging a goal every 100 minutes, the former Norwich loanee is Haaland's closest competitor for the Golden Boot — despite the fact that Kane is playing in a team that looks to have restraints on them.

England's No9 has been presented with just nine big chances in the Premier League this season — he has scored seven of them.

One loss in nine

Spurs have only lost one domestic game this season and it came against their North London rivals at the Emirates, a place they have only won at twice since its unveiling in 2006.

But Spurs have now faced three of their foes — Chelsea, West Ham and Arsenal — all away from home.

Kane scored in two of those matches and their run-in to the World Cup is looking more favourable.

Considering the scrutiny the deadly finisher has come under for his slow starts, nobody can argue with his numbers this year.

Spurs have demonstrated that they can play free-flowing, attacking football as it is what helped them qualify for the Champions League last season.

If they can stay within touching distance at the top of the table, we could see a three-way battle for the title when the tournament in Qatar concludes.

Winning mentality

You can question his lack of medals all you like, but there is no denying that Kane is one of the most driven athletes at the top level of football.

In Tuesday's press conference, the striker was adamant that he will not give up on chasing Haaland until the Norwegian is completely out of reach.

Speaking alongside Conte, he said: "I'm not someone who likes to think about other players or talk about them.

"He's had a fantastic start to the season and I'm just looking to contribute to the team as much as I can.

"It's going well in the Premier League and I'd like to score a few more in the Champions League. People are talking about him [Haaland] and rightly so."

Kane was also questioned about a potential move to Bayern Munich, to which he responded: "I’m focused on Tottenham Hotspur and trying to do my best for us.

"Bayern are a top, top club but all my concentration is on Tottenham and trying to win tomorrow night."

The speculation is nothing new to Kane and for for now he will focus on what he does best — scoring goals.