Tottenham may choose to bring Harry Kane off the bench in Champions League final

Mauricio Pochettino won’t be afraid to make a big gamble in the Champions League final. That could mean leaving Harry Kane on his bench. 

As Tottenham and Liverpool near their date in the Champions League final the health of Spurs striker Harry Kane continues to be a major story line. At the very least, it appears that England’s No. 1 striker will play in the fixture. Whether or not he starts is an entirely different question.

Predictably, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is playing his cards close to the vest in regards to Kane’s status. He recently told reporters via Sportsmole that he will “wait and see how he is progressing in his problem.” The Argentine gaffer did admit that Kane is training with the first team, but he stopped short of saying he’d be fit and ready to face Liverpool next weekend.

It’s almost impossible to envision a scenario where Kane isn’t involved if he’s anywhere close to healthy. He is the unquestioned leader of Spurs. Hugo Lloris may wear the captain’s armband, but Kane is the engine who makes Spurs go when they’re at their best.

At first glance, that would seem to indicate that Kane must start the match. That’s the decision Pochettino will likely make if his medical staff informs him the striker can handle the full match. However, there is a reasonable argument to be made that Kane should be saved to impact the match from the substitute’s bench.

Firstly, there’s no way that Kane can truly be match fit after such a long lay off. At the very least, his timing is going to be off after missing so many matches. It’s highly unlikely that Kane will be able to play at his best no matter how much he wants to help Spurs win a trophy.

Secondly, and more importantly, the idea of Kane coming off the bench to provide Tottenham an emotional lift in their time of need should hold significant appeal for Pochettino. He is very open about the fact that the epic fixture will be decided more on emotion than tactics. Bringing Kane onto the pitch in his club’s time of need could be just what Spurs need to turn the tide against Jurgen Klopp’s troops.

Keeping Kane on the bench would certainly be a major gamble by Pochettino, but he’ll be second-guessed no matter who he starts if Tottenham don’t win the match. Starting his best striker is certainly an understandable tactic, but so is keeping him on the bench to turn the match on its ear upon his introduction. No matter what, Kane will impact the match for his team.