Monday 27 February 2017 08:42, UK
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has hailed Harry Kane as "one of the best strikers in Europe" after his first-half hat-trick in the 4-0 win against Stoke.
The 23-year-old netted in the 14th, 32nd and 37th minute as the home side dismantled the Potters in a sublime opening period, before setting up Dele Alli for the fourth in added time.
Both players came in for praise from their manager, with Alli subject to scrutiny after his red card during Thursday's Europa League draw with Gent, while Kane continued his rich vein of scoring form that has seen him net three hat-tricks in his last nine games.
"I'm very happy, it was a good response after Wembley on Thursday and they were fantastic. I was pleased with the performance and that's the way we need to keep going," Pochettino told Sky Sports.
"[Kane scored] a fantastic hat-trick and it was a fantastic performance. He's one of the best strikers in Europe and I'm very pleased for him because he deserves it.
"He has big potential and lots of room to improve. He's still very young but his mentality is the best thing that he has. He works hard every day, he is professional and he is a top player.
"We kept the same formation from the Europa League game and I'm very happy because Dele Alli was fantastic. He showed very good maturity and you can see on the pitch that the problem from Thursday didn't affect him so I'm very pleased for him because he is a great kid."
Pochettino also believes Kane is already writing his name into Spurs folklore following his display against Stoke.
"He has his character," Pochettino added. "Sometimes Harry, he argues with me, sometimes he is upset with me, sometimes he is happy with me or with us. He has a strong character. His personality is what he shows on the pitch and the behaviour he showed today.
"I think Harry has it all and the profile to be a legend here, if he has not already started to be a legend here with the goals he is scoring. With how he behaves, how professional he is, how like a man he is - he has the perfect profile to be a legend here at Tottenham.
"It is not new for me. It does not surprise me because I have said many times he is one of the best strikers in the world."
The win was only marred by a few injury worries, with Toby Alderweireld taken off within five minutes of the second half after appearing to hurt his groin and Jan Vertonghen substituted in the 66th minute.
However, after playing four games in 10 days, Pochettino was hopeful that it was due to tiredness rather than any long-term injuries.
"I think they were very tired, it is very difficult with the recovery and after 4-0, they asked to leave and I think it was for caution. We hope it is nothing important and we will assess them today and tomorrow," he added.
