Harry Kane's Ballon d'Or chances should now receive boost despite failing to score for Bayern Munich
Harry Kane is among the favourites to lift this year’s Ballon d’Or, with the Bayern Munich striker competing with Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, PSG’s Fabian Ruiz, and the World Cup-winning captain, Rodri.
The striker had a week to remember as he became the joint most-capped England international along with Peter Shilton, while he also registered his 91st goal for his nation as he netted against Czechia.
Kane’s performances during the international period will have helped his Ballon d’Or case; however, he will have boosted it further during Bayern’s draw with Augsburg.
While he did not score against the Fuggerstadter at the weekend, he played a pivotal role as Kane registered two assists.
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Harry Kane boosts his Ballon d’Or chances with latest Bayern Munich performance
Bayern sit second in the Bundesliga after their draw against Augsburg, two points adrift of Borussia Dortmund.
Vincent Kompany’s side made a terrible start to their latest clash as they fell behind after just eight seconds, as Manuel Neuer was robbed of possession by Robin Fellhauer, who then turned the ball into the empty net.
Ismael Saibari made it 1-1 in the 55th minute, with Kane providing the assist, before the hosts made it 2-1 through Rodrigo Ribeiro.
Kane would once again turn provider in the 80th minute, this time setting up Nathaniel Brown to rescue a point for the reigning Bundesliga champions.
While the English striker did not register a goal, he proved crucial to Kompany’s side getting a point, registering two assists and earning Bayern's Man of the Match award.
It must be noted that he is only three assists behind his tally from last season in the Bundesliga following his work in the draw at Augsburg.
Kane has hit the net on four occasions already for Bayern, which is a long way off his tally of 61 goals from the last campaign; however, there is still a lot of football left to play this season, so he will be confident he can better this, barring an injury.
It was exactly this performance in front of goal for Bayern, helping them to win the Bundesliga, along with his performances with England during the World Cup, that has him in the conversation for the Ballon d’Or - but a crucial reminder of his all-round game could go some way to boosting his chances.
English winners of the Ballon d’Or named
Kane is aiming to become only the fifth Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or, and should he be awarded the individual honour, it will be the fifth time someone from the country has held it.
Michael Owen is the most recent winner of the trophy from England, when he claimed it while playing for Liverpool in 2001, as he helped the Reds claim a unique treble, as they lifted the League Cup, FA Cup, and the UEFA Cup.
The first Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or was Stanley Matthews; the Blackpool legend was awarded this honour in 1956.
Kevin Keegan claimed the Ballon d’Or on two occasions, with his first coming in 1978 and the second coming a year later in a period where he impressed for England, Liverpool and Hamburg.
Bobby Charlton won the Ballon d’Or in 1966 as he helped England win the World Cup, and while he is considered the greatest player the nation has ever produced, Kane would truly help his case if he were to be crowned with this honour 50 years on from the Manchester United legend’s success.
Topics: Ballon d'Or, Bayern Munich, Harry Kane
Brendan McGilligan