Watch: Harry Kane Picks Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe but No Sign of Lionel Messi for His Ultimate Striker Build

Harry Kane is one of the best strikers in contemporary soccer and hence is the right person to build an ‘ultimate striker’ by combining the qualities of certain elite forwards. However, Kane’s idea of a perfect striker will immensely upset many soccer fans. The Englishman has shockingly left out Lionel Messi from the mix- a cardinal sin in soccer. Meanwhile, thanks to his speed, Messi’s generational rival Cristiano Ronaldo has made the cut.

Interestingly, despite not being a forward, a junior player like Jude Bellingham possesses the abilities needed for a perfect striker, according to Kane.

Cristiano Ronaldo in, Messi out: inside Harry Kane’s ultimate striker pick

In a recent conversation, ESPN asked the Bayern Munich star to create an ultimate striker by borrowing skill sets from fellow forwards. Speaking of the ultimate striker’s movement, Kane chose Uruguayan star Edinson Cavani, whom he thinks is supremely agile. When asked whose speed would Kane love to see in the ideal striker, he chose Cristiano Ronaldo without any hesitation. Thereafter, the ex-Tottenham star had to choose a perfect dribbler for the mix. Usually, most players choose Lionel Messi, hailing his dribbling the best. But, the English striker surprisingly chose Kylian Mbappe instead of the Inter Miami star!

Continuing with the endeavor, Harry Kane asserted former English star Peter Crouch’s heading abilities are best for the ultimate striker. Speaking of the striker’s finishing, Kane chose himself as the most clinical finisher. Furthermore, he said Didier Drogba’s strength and Wayne Rooney’s link-up play skills are best for the ultimate striker. To conclude, the 30-year-old picked Jude Bellingham’s work rate to be ideal for the perfect striker.

Kane further clarified this saying that Bellingham has played deep in Real Madrid. While it is shocking to see Kane snub Messi, he had earlier revealed that he has the highest regard for the Argentine. The 30-year-old once fancied uniting with the Miami skipper on the field.

Harry Kane on teaming up with Lionel Messi

In a 2023 interview, Harry Kane was quizzed about a player he badly wanted to pair up with. Without thinking much, the ex-Spurs striker chose Lionel Messi. “I’d love to play with Messi. I think, his game understanding, his vision, and his passing,” Kane said. Also, he added the 2022 World Champion could consistently assist and help him score more goals. Even while revealing this dream, Kane notably did not mention Messi’s ace dribbling skills. Instead, he chose La Pulga’s playmaking.

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Since playmaking is not the most vital skill set for a striker, it is no surprise Harry Kane has snubbed Messi from the ultimate mix. Do you agree with Harry Kane’s pick? Tell us in the comments.

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