Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane will return to north London on Wednesday to face old rivals Arsenal, arguably in the best form of his career after adopting a deeper, more creative role.

Known as a prolific goalscorer, the England captain has evolved into a more complete player at Bayern, taking on both creative and defensive responsibilities. Kane’s form has been central to Bayern’s blistering start to the season, with the German champions winning 17 and drawing one of their 18 matches across all competitions, and Kane featuring in every game.

The 32-year-old has a strong record against Arsenal, having scored 15 times in 21 appearances, and could prove decisive against the Gunners’ notoriously tight defence. Arsenal remain the only team yet to concede in this season’s Champions League, while in the Premier League they have allowed just six goals—the best defensive record among Europe’s top five leagues.

Kane is producing exceptional numbers this season, with 24 goals in 18 appearances for Bayern and five in five for England. But his impact goes beyond scoring.

Often dropping into midfield, Kane has been deployed as a creative playmaker by Bayern coach Vincent Kompany, operating behind either Nicolas Jackson or Serge Gnabry. The move—necessitated in part by Jamal Musiala’s absence due to a broken ankle—has reinvigorated Kane’s game and given him a renewed sense of enjoyment.

“I know I’m not just a goal-scorer,” Kane said after Bayern’s 6–2 comeback win over Freiburg. “I can impact the team with passing, one-on-one situations, and taking the pressure off the team. This is the most I’ve enjoyed my football because I’m just involved more. I love the way we play—a really aggressive style, no fear. I love tackling, helping the team, blocking shots. Obviously, I’m judged on goals, but I think people will appreciate some of the other stuff I do as well.”

With Luis Diaz suspended for three Champions League matches after his red card against Paris Saint-Germain, Kane may need to shoulder even more of Bayern’s scoring responsibility.

‘Very familiar territory’

Kane moved to Bayern in 2023 after progressing through Tottenham’s youth system, having been released by Arsenal as a child. Reflecting on that early setback, Kane said: “I was there for a couple of years and got released. It’s all part of the journey of football. That was 20 years ago. We’ve moved on a long way since then.”

Kane also faced Arsenal in last season’s Champions League quarter-finals, scoring a penalty as Bayern advanced over two legs. “It’s very familiar territory for me. Having played for Tottenham for so long, it adds a bit more to the game,” he said.

While Bayern are flying high, set-pieces remain a vulnerability—an area Arsenal excels in. Bayern conceded four goals from set plays in their past two games, while Arsenal have scored 10 of their 24 Premier League goals this season from dead-ball situations.

“We have an issue with dead-ball situations, you can’t hide it, everyone saw it. Arsenal’s analysts will see it too,” admitted Kompany. “We have to show personality, character, and defend those things. But I have confidence in our side.”