Cameroon and Damac striker Georges-Kevin Nkoudou has found remarkable success in the Saudi Pro League this season, crediting his impressive form to advice received from England captain Harry Kane. The 29-year-old forward has notched eight goals and provided three assists, marking his best goalscoring run in his career.
In a recent interview with BBC Africa, Nkoudou revealed the valuable guidance he received from Kane during their time together. "He always told me 'You need to be calm'," Nkoudou shared. "I'm a winger, so I wasn't used to being in front of goal. Now I'm more calm, more confident because I remember this advice." The Cameroonian striker went on to express his admiration for Kane's abilities, stating, "I learn a lot from watching Harry because, as a goalscorer, I have never seen anyone like him. Some goals I have scored with Damac are because I think about Kane. He is such a clever guy in front of goal."
Reflecting on his earlier career at Tottenham Hotspur, where he arrived as a 21-year-old, Nkoudou maintains no regrets about his time in England despite making only 27 appearances and experiencing loan spells at Burnley and Monaco. "When I got the chance to go to England, I didn't even hesitate as this is what I had always wanted," he explained. The striker acknowledged the learning curve, emphasizing how the experience shaped his development: "When you go to such a big team and you're young, you go there first of all to learn - because they have so many great players."
Nkoudou's time at Tottenham, though limited in playing opportunities, proved invaluable for his development. He detailed the adaptation process, saying, "I needed to adapt to a new country - its culture and language. I used to go to the gym all the time [at Tottenham]. In France it was more technical with the ball. I made myself stronger and I improved from training with the players." His gratitude for the experience was evident when he mentioned texting then-manager Pochettino to express his thanks upon departure.
Looking ahead, the striker has set his sights on helping Cameroon achieve glory in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). With renewed confidence in his abilities, Nkoudou believes in both his personal potential and his national team's prospects. "I know what I can do and I think football never lies. If you keep working then opportunities come," he stated. His optimism extends to Cameroon's chances in the tournament, noting, "Everyone knows better what they need to do and what the coach wants from us. I think really the next Afcon can be a great opportunity for Cameroon to get back the crown."
