Why Burnout Is the Biggest Fear for Tottenham's Harry Kane

A year ago, Harry Kane was just making his 19th appearance of his breakthrough campaign with Tottenham Hotspur. The season-ending 3-0 defeat of Aston Villa concluded the 20-year-old's first run of games as a starter—a sequence that included three goals in three games during April.

Kane would have been desperate for the season to continue, having earned his chance with the first-team. A year on the urge to play more football is likely still there, but it is one that will be more carefully considered than at any previous point in his fledgling career.

Tottenham's future direction and the all-round experience of adapting to being a known quantity will impact where Kane, 22 this summer, goes from here. But in the immediate future, burnout has to be the biggest fear for the player.

Cover star of the latest issue of FourFourTwo magazine (above), the headline of the accompanying feature aptly sums up the hype and expectation created by his outstanding form. "The saviour of Spurs, England and youth Development. No wonder everyone wants a bit of Harry."

Kane's goalscoring feats for his club—30 in all competitions—and the performances behind them have deservedly made him a regular starter at Spurs. He scored on his England senior team debut and, maintaining his 2014-15 performance level, should become an integral part of that set-up too. This summer he is also set to feature in the European Under-21 Championships.

These are heady times for the striker. Even with the rut he and his team are currently stuck in (one goal individually and just one win in six matches), it has been a tremendous season; one in which the recognition, including winning PFA Young Player of the Year, has been entirely deserved.

Concerns over whether Kane can carry on in this fashion next season, particularly from Pochettino, are understandable.

If he plays in Spurs' remaining two fixtures, he will have featured in 58 games this season for club and country (he might also be involved in the non-competitive, but travel-extending post-season tour halfway round the world). Add possibly three or more with the England under-21s and the subsequently shortened rest time, and at the very least Kane will start 2015-16 less fresh than he might have.

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Such fatigue can cause problems. Arsenal's Jack Wilshere and Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge lead the high-profile, young England internationals to have had issues relating to, if not directly caused by, their demanding schedules.

Some might already pinpoint the comparatively quiet run he is on as evidence the season has taken its toll, though Saturday's loss to Stoke City suggested that was more a consequence of the team's failings than any individual ones.

Pochettino will be keen to strike a balance between protecting a player who has quickly become a prized asset and not denying him the opportunities that can improve his game and develop his career. Frequently asked of late about Kane's potential participation in the under-21 Euros this summer, the Argentinian last month said it is ultimately down to the player.

"We need to understand, all [of us], that it's Harry Kane’s decision in the end because he is a player, [if] he wants to go and he believes it is best for him, I think that you cannot stop."

If under-21 teammate Saido Berahino is anything to go by, Kane will be raring to go for this summer's tournament in the Czech Republic.

"The time is fast approaching and I just can’t wait until it starts now," the West Bromwich Albion attacker told the Football Association website's Nicholas Veevers.

Just as risky as injuries caused by overexertion is the mental side of burnout (of course, the two can also be connected). Handling the pressure coming from assumptions made about his potential future impact will be challenging.

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Former Spurs striker Clive Allen talked to BBC Radio 5 Live about the current Lilywhite breaking Alan Shearer's Premier League scoring record, per Squawka. Prior to Kane's first England call-up in March, former international and current pundit Danny Murphy was already suggesting a major role for him in Roy Hodgson's squad.

"Not just selected, but build the team around him," Murphy said on Match of the Day, per BBC Sport. "I'm struggling to see a weakness in the lad's game."

Kane might not leave the junior European Championships hurt and/or tired, but an impressive and potentially successful showing will see the hype surrounding him increase further. Not only will he be one of the main men charged with firing Tottenham's progress under Pochettino next season, he will almost certainly be deemed a player ready to star for England at Euro 2016 (assuming the qualification Group E table-toppers make it).

The pressure on him is already substantial.

Kane's repeated strong performances this season have largely countered accusations his efforts are being exaggerated. He has delivered for Spurs in almost every environment and did not look out of place in his first two outings on the international stage either. Thus far he has handled becoming one of English football's most talked-about players in a level-headed manner.

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Things can quickly take a toll, however. All of a sudden a player can lose form and receive more negative criticism than good—an unpleasant new reality which can be tough to adapt to if it is left to affect them. Here is where his managers can stop him from suffering.

Hodgson must be careful not to place too much burden on his shoulders too soon. The England boss' continued trust and faith in other forwards like Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck suggest this should not be a problem.

Meanwhile Pochettino must act this summer to ensure Kane has genuine help in the goalscoring department. When the inevitable dry spells occur (be it for just a game or two, or longer), Tottenham need others to ensure the team can cope and he is not made to feel worse about his struggle.

So far, 2015 has been kind to Kane. There is every possibility it will continue to be so.

Nevertheless, all concerned parties whose fortunes are entwined with his must be well aware of the situation's precarious nature. Then be ready to act accordingly.

Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.

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