Thomas Muller says Harry Kane’s all-round game sets him apart from every striker

Thomas Muller has praised Harry Kane’s Ballon d’Or success, saying the Bayern Munich forward deserved the award after an outstanding individual campaign and his contribution to the club’s achievements.

“I am extremely happy for him,” Muller said in his monthly newsletter. “He scored 73 goals in 65 competitive matches. This award is the perfect recognition of his individual performance and his success with Bayern Munich. I think everyone is delighted that Harry has received it.”

Muller, a former Bayern Munich star, said Kane’s influence could not be measured by his goals alone. The England international’s finishing, ability to protect possession and commitment in physical challenges were equally important, he added.

“Harry did not just produce the numbers; he is also a wonderful footballer,” Muller said. “He has outstanding shooting technique, can hold the ball up and is fully committed in tackles. He is never afraid to do the difficult work, even though he knows he is the team’s main striker.”

The former Germany international highlighted Kane’s willingness to track back and help his side defensively as one of the qualities that distinguishes him from other forwards.

“Other players might think: why should I run all the way back to my own penalty area and make a sliding challenge to win the ball back?” Muller said. “But Harry does it without hesitation.

“He also plays passes from positions where nobody expects such a ball to come from. No other striker does that, quite simply because no other striker can do it with the same level of efficiency.”

Muller also described Kane as a role model because of his leadership and character, before congratulating the 33-year-old on his achievement.

“On the level of leadership and personality, he is also an example and a role model. Well done, my friend,” Muller said.

Kane won the Ballon d’Or by a narrow margin over France forward Kylian Mbappe. Spain and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal finished third in the voting.

The Ballon d’Or represents the latest recognition of Kane’s contribution during his time at Bayern Munich, where his output has combined prolific scoring with the defensive effort and team play Muller believes set him apart from every other striker.