Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has been in prolific form at the start of the season, scoring 21 goals already in the 2025-26 campaign. However, the England captain has also been praised for his efforts to help the team defensively. Bayern team-mate Jonathan Tah has highlighted just how valuable Kane's defensive play is to Bayern and thinks it's an important part of his game.

Kane stars in attack and defence for Bayern

Kane scored his 400th career goal to help Bayern beat Dortmund in Der Klassiker last time out in the Bundesliga and extend their lead at the top of the table. While his goal drew plenty of plaudits, Kane was also lauded for a brilliant tackle he made late on in his own penalty area. 

Bayern legend Lothar Matthaus was particularly impressed by Kane's contribution, writing in his column on Sky: "I don't see a better striker in the world right now. Not just because of his goals, but because of his versatility and the positions he plays. Kane also demonstrates qualities as a passer, dribbler, and tackler. He is simultaneously a goalscorer, playmaker, box-to-box player, and tackler. I've never seen Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe slide in their own penalty area like Kane did in the 88th minute against Dortmund. I also don't see Haaland and Mbappe make passes of 50 meters or more. I haven't seen the chip shots that the FCB star can play from the other two. I think Kane has become even better because he can act as a free spirit. Under Thomas Tuchel, he may not have been given the freedom at Bayern that he now has under Vincent Kompany, or that he takes for himself."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTah blown away by 'so special' Kane

Tah has also hailed Kane's defensive effort and revealed how it has a huge impact on the entire Bayern team. He told reporters ahead of Bayern's clash with Club Brugge in the Champions League: "There's far too little talk about how Harry works defensively. He pushes us all, he carries us along. Harry runs back and defends all the time. You can't teach that to anyone; you have to want to do it – when someone like Harry Kane does it, it pulls everyone along. That's what makes him so special."

Kane jokes about his Bayern role

Kane joked about his role in the team after downing Dortmund. He admitted he played in a variety of positions in Der Klassiker but is happy to do whatever is necessary to help out his team. He told ESPN: "Probably a six, eight and 10. But I enjoy it, I enjoy a different side of my game. I know everyone's used to me being up top and scoring goals but I feel like I can contribute a lot more and today was a prime example. I still managed to obviously get on the scoresheet, which was nice, but ultimately it was more about defending, about tackles, about picking up second balls and then playing the passes in behind, which worked pretty well.

"It was a good performance. I feel like after the international break, the first game back is never easy, a lot of players getting back late Wednesday, late Thursday and you're playing against a good side. For about 50, 60 minutes I thought we dominated, we controlled the game. The first half we probably should have been two- or three-nil up but you give these types of teams a chance and it's difficult. [We've] done well to get the second goal and to concede straight away was annoying but overall we can be really pleased."

Getty Images SportWhat comes next for Kane?

Kane will be aiming to continue his prolific form on Wednesday in the Champions League against Club Brugge, and manager Vincent Kompany has warned his team not to underestimate the Belgians ahead of the game. He told reporters: "Club Brugge are a hard-working team, which is very much the Belgian way. They have consistently achieved good results in Europe. They are not an easy opponent; they are very dangerous. That is why good preparation is so important."

Bayern will still be favourites for victory and will hope to return home with all three points before they switch focus back to the Bundesliga and a trip to Borussia Monchengladbach.