Harry Kane should not be solely evaluated based on the number of goals he scores for Bayern Munich, according to his teammate Joshua Kimmich. Kimmich praised Kane after the English striker played a crucial role in helping Bayern secure a significant 2-1 victory against Freiburg, which extended their lead at the top of the Bundesliga to six points. Kane netted the opening goal during the match, marking his 17th of the season.

Despite the milestone, it had been his first goal from open play since the previous November, and Kane’s celebration hinted at the pressure he had been feeling to score beyond just converting penalties. Kimmich emphasized that Kane’s overall contributions to the team were nothing short of inspiring.

“Today, I observed how Harry played with determination, especially since he faced some criticism over the past weeks. He was active in both defense and attack, winning balls in our box and putting everything on the line for the team, even receiving a yellow card in the process,” Kimmich noted. “His performance was remarkable, and regardless of the goals scored, the work he put in was precisely what we require. Winning isn’t just about individual feats like hat tricks; it’s also about collective effort and unity.”

According to reports, the powerful shot that Kane placed past Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu was clocked at an impressive 121 kilometers per hour (75 miles per hour), following an excellent first touch that allowed him to maneuver past defender Philipp Lienhart.

Bayern’s coach, Vincent Kompany, also commended Kane’s defensive contributions to the team, highlighting that the 31-year-old’s “character” plays a vital role in their success. After spending a decade at Tottenham without lifting a trophy and just one season at Bayern, which began in August 2023 with a transfer fee exceeding 100 million euros (around $110 million), Kane is eager to change that narrative.

This current season marks Bayern’s first without a trophy since 2012, a year in which they ended up as runners-up in the Bundesliga, were defeated 5-2 in the German Cup final by Borussia Dortmund, and lost to Chelsea on penalties in the Champions League final, held in Munich.

With Munich set to host the Champions League final again this year, both Kane and Bayern are determined to rewrite their history. “He is committed to doing everything necessary to achieve success this year, and we are leveraging that determination also,” Kompany added.