Jurgen Klinsmann shares Harry Kane theory that may help Bayern Munich star win Ballon d'Or
Klinsmann came second in the vote for the world’s best player after scoring 30 goals for Spurs in 1994-95 - but he believes England striker Kane can go one better now he has joined Bayern Munich
Tottenham legend Jurgen Klinsmann is backing Harry Kane to win the Ballon d’Or after joining Bayern Munich.
The German striker came second in the vote for the world’s best player after scoring 30 goals for Spurs in 1994-95 - but he believes England striker Kane can go one better after following in his footsteps to the Bundesliga.
Klinsmann said: “I think joining Bayern will give Harry a better chance of being recognised in the Ballon d’Or, especially if he can have success in the Champions League and Euro 2024. The vote for the Ballon d’Or was opened up to non-European players for the first time in 1995 - and obviously I came second.
“George Weah was a fantastic player, but he admitted to me later on that he felt he had an advantage because he played for AC Milan and he believed being with a club of that magnitude helped him win the vote. Maybe if I had been at Bayern and not Spurs the situation would have been different.”
READ MORE: Jurgen Klinsmann tells Harry Kane how to become a Bayern Munich legend - off the pitchREAD MORE: Harry Kane handed Erling Haaland warning after Bayern Munich transfer failureThe German also believes Kane can cash-in on the know-how he will pick up in his first year at Bayern Munich – and lead England to victory in the European Championship next summer. Klinsmann similarly left England and Tottenham for Bayern, back in 1995 - then returned to these shores the following year to help his nation win Euro 96.
The former Germany striker reckons Kane can only get better as a goalscorer after making the switch to the Bundesliga. And he has predicted that there will be an added boost for the England skipper at international level as Germany stage Euro 2024.
Klinsmann said: “Harry is going to Germany a year before we are hosting the European Championships. Obviously I left Spurs to sign for Bayern in 1995, and the following summer I was back in England to help Germany win Euro 96 at Wembley.
“The possibility of Harry doing the same thing really freaks me out! But sometimes these things are just destined to happen. Playing in England, even for one year, made me a better player, and I am sure Harry will improve with his experience in Germany.
“He will also get to know the country and that can be beneficial next summer. He will know the stadiums and the people - and all after already having had Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho play in Germany.
“I remember explaining to my Germany team-mates in 1996 what to expect, and how football is perceived in England - and that proved to be a big plus.”
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