Tottenham v Arsenal: North London derby combined XI
By David Gate
Harry Kane
What makes Harry Kane remarkable is that he lacks a number of traits that are synonymous with great strikers. He doesn’t have electric pace or herculean strength. He is not an elusive dribbler or a technical magician. So how come he is so good?
Harry Kane does the one thing outstandingly well; score goals. All kinds of goals. He can score with his head; finish with both feet; power in rockets from the edge of the box; steal in for a tap-ins. Added to his flawless finishing is his keen sense of movement. He is in the right place at the right time. That doesn’t sound important but it really is. Reading the game, spacial awareness and tactical smarts are what makes him a first-rate striker.
Alexis Sanchez
Despite his unhappiness at another sub-par Arsenal season his own performances have been at superb level. He has 19 goals and 9 assists this year and is likely to add to that before the season is out. Where there are reoccurring questions over many of his teammate’s work ethic, those allegations cannot be directed to the Chilean forward. A renowned gym rat and one of the fittest players in the Premier League, Sanchez has that rare blend of peak physical condition and high technical ability.
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So he can beat you with pace or he can beat with strength or he can beat you with skill. That’s a lot of ways to beat you. If Arsenal fail to qualify for the Champion’s League there will be many suitors for Sanchez as an elite forward who would improve all but one or two front line in world football.