by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- For a reason, Harry Kane turned up for TV interviews wearing a mischievous smile after the 5-1 win against Cypriot underdog Paphos FC.
While reporters focused on his impressive scoring record, 17 goals and three assists in nine games of the 2025-26 season and 23 goals in 27 UEFA Champions League matches, the 32-year-old's happiness was rooted in his successful shift from being a pure striker to a creative playmaker.
As if it were a piece of cake, Bayern Munich's goal-monster is closing the gap, caused by the injury loss of Jamal Musiala, the Bavarian's sorely missed inspiring ten.
While new arrival, Nicolas Jackson, covered the job in the box, the Three Lions captain promptly slipped into the role of caretaking supervisor.
"I have been covering the job in and outside the box for a while now. It works well. I feel comfortable," the Englishman said after again scoring twice.
TV pundits, former German international Matthias Sammer, and 2014 FIFA World Cup champion Mats Hummels, praised the silverback's achievements.
"What is more striking than his goals is his presence nearly everywhere on the pitch," Sammer said, while Hummels mentioned the so-called heat map, mirroring Kane's on-pitch movements.
"Just look at that, he is everywhere. That's world-class," the 36-year-old said, mentioning Kane's precision as "his passes address midfielders, strikers, and wingers' demands." He spoke of total control.
While the Bavarians are off to their best start since the 2012-13 season, when they won the treble under coach Jupp Heynckes, the team has taken the lead in the new league phase of the Champions League, not to mention their clean run in the national league.
"We are in a flow and must be aware, it's important to keep it," Kane said while midfielder Joshua Kimmih praised the striker's record, "as it is of great help that he always seems to score twice or three times in every game."
Every squad member is working perfectly, Kimmich added, while Kane is hovering above all.
Aware that the crunch time in the Champions League is yet to come next spring, coach Vincent Kompany seems to be preparing his side for the knock-out stage lying ahead.
Competing with a reasonably small squad, compared to their European competitors, the Bavarians currently manage to catch up, relying on the variability of their staff.
"With the Musiala return uncertain, we need to be ready for all. But we feel great confidence in our players," Kompany said while enjoying the upswing of French winger Michael Olise.
Kane spoke about leaving the opponent in the uncertainty, "as sometimes Nicolas is turning up in the box, sometimes it is me. It's essential to not always do the same and trigger uncertainty."
The Englishman continued to smile, amused by the bold comparison from a reporter, who said he scored his second goal against Paphos in the style of Argentine superstar Lionel Messi.
Kane answered with loud laughter, talking about a nice compliment after he had passed six opponents dribbling through the box like genius Messi. ■
