'We don't play with a striker' - Harry Kane explains his special role at Bayern Munich

""When a team likes to press, I like to drop, sometimes even into defensive areas, to see if the center back's fully committed to follow all the way - it takes a lot for teams to really commit," says Kane. "That's why sometimes you see me in that No. 6 or No. 8 position on the half-turn." "In the final third, we don't really play with an out-and-out No. 9. We almost play with two No. 10s, with wingers that attack inside and sometimes occupy the center backs, who are not quite sure whether to go in with me or to stay back.""

""When I drop deep and play the passes wide, I think arriving late into the box or the pocket definitely frees me up," Kane says. "Sometimes when you're a No. 9 and you're almost man-marked by the center halves it's hard to get away, whereas arriving a bit later allows you to make them run inside out. I try to use my brain and football intelligence to see where the space is and utilize it.""

Harry Kane frequently abandons a traditional No. 9 role by dropping into deeper or defensive areas to test opposing centre-backs and invite commitment. He occupies No. 6 or No. 8 positions on the half-turn to create passing options and to play passes wide. In the final third Bayern often deploys two No. 10–type attackers and inside-attacking wingers, which can confuse centre-backs about marking responsibility. Against low blocks Kane finds space through movement in the box and by arriving late, exploiting runs made by defenders. He emphasizes football intelligence and late arrivals to free himself and influence scoring opportunities. The effectiveness in Champions League knockout stages remains uncertain.

Read at Bavarian Football Works