Why Harry Kane Isn't Thriving at Bayern Munich?

Harry Kane is struggling at Bayern Munich due to poor support from wingers like Sané and Coman, who take more shots (Sané: 4 per 90, Coman: 3.42) but create fewer chances (Sané: 2.96 crosses per 90, down from 3.28 in 2020/21). Kane still scores 1.03 goals per 90 but lacks service, unlike Lewandowski, who received 28.7 passes per 90.

In the ongoing debate about Harry Kane’s role at Bayern Munich, critics argue he is not thriving due to his deep positioning. However, analysis suggests the real issue lies with Bayern’s wingers. Statistics show Leroy Sané (4 shots per 90, up from 2.87 in 2020/21) and Kingsley Coman (3.42 shots per 90, up from 2.71) are shooting more and crossing less. Sané’s crosses have dropped from 3.28 per 90 in 2020/21 to 2.96, while Coman’s have fallen from 4.86 to 3.59.

Despite Kane positioning himself well in the box, wingers frequently choose to shoot rather than pass. The result is that Kane receives only 25.3 passes per 90 (down from Lewandowski’s 28.7) and just 5 progressive passes per 90. Kane still scores 1.03 goals per 90, nearly identical to last season (1.02), but he is also Bayern’s most efficient creator, averaging 0.81 goal-creating actions per 90—close to Florian Wirtz’s 0.91.

Manager Vincent Kompany’s system allows Kane to drop deeper to compensate for poor winger creativity, but the lack of finishing from teammates negates his contributions. Ultimately, rather than blaming Kane, Bayern needs wingers who can make better decisions in the final third, similar to the support Robert Lewandowski once received.