Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has described Harry Kane as a “complete player” but said Champions League opponents Tottenham are about more than the England striker.
Kane, 24, is set to face Madrid in the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday having scored five goals in two games so far in Group H, and his prolific form over recent seasons has prompted comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo.
His performances have also prompted speculation linking him with a move to Madrid, potentially following the path taken by Gareth Bale from Spurs to Madrid.
Zidane refused to discuss the prospect of his club pursuing Kane but said he has huge respect for the Tottenham forward.
“I don’t know what will happen in the future, but in the present, he [Kane] is a very important player and key player for Tottenham,” Zidane said.
“He is very good at everything, but what he does well is that he always goes towards the goal and his speed is very good.
“He is a complete player. He didn’t seem to be [when he was younger], but in the end, that is what he is. But Tottenham is not just Kane — it is a very good team and we are going to prepare very well.
“We are playing against a very good team and that is good for us, it encourages us to play a good match.
“Tottenham has always been a great club, but they are constantly improving and they have a great coach. It will be a good game between two strong teams. It will be the group final.”
Tuesday’s game will come too soon, however, for former Spurs winger Bale, who has been sidelined for the past three weeks with a calf injury.
Zidane said in his news conference at Real’s Valdebebas training ground that Bale may also miss the return fixture against Spurs at Wembley on Nov. 1.
“I can’t tell you if he is going to be fit for the second match,” Zidane said. “I hope he will be with us soon. It would be great to have him in London, but I can’t take it for granted.
“We are still missing one or two players, but step by step, we are getting into things and I believe we will find our rhythm.
“We are winning our games and improving and that is good for everyone.”
Cristiano Ronaldo, though, is expected to start and goes into the match having netted his first league goal of the season in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Getafe.
“I am very happy for him,” Zidane said. “He has been working very hard, and is always professional, always wants to improve even after everything he has done. I have a lot of respect for Cristiano, what he does is not easy, but he is an example for the others.
“It is good he has scored. He scores many in Champions League, and we want him to be comfortable and scoring for us.”
Source:KweseESPN