In the annals of Premier League history, certain seasons stand out as testaments to individual brilliance. Five years ago, Harry Kane etched his name into that esteemed list, delivering a campaign that could arguably be considered the greatest individual performance the league has ever witnessed. It was a display of prolific scoring and creative playmaking that left fans and pundits alike in awe.

The numbers spoke for themselves. Kane clinched the coveted Golden Boot, awarded to the league's top scorer, and remarkably, he also secured the Playmaker of the Season award, recognizing him as the player with the most assists. This rare double achievement highlighted his all-around contribution to his team's success. In a mere 35 games, he amassed a staggering 37 direct goal involvements, a testament to his lethal finishing and ability to unlock defenses with pinpoint passes. This was more than just scoring goals; it was about orchestrating the attack and making those around him better. His impact was undeniable and pivotal for Tottenham.

Fast forward to the present, and Kane's dominance continues, albeit in a new league. His recent hat-trick against Hoffenheim serves as a stark reminder of his enduring quality and insatiable hunger for goals. This performance is not an isolated incident; it's part of a consistent pattern of excellence that has defined his career. Kane's ability to adapt to new environments and maintain his high standards speaks volumes about his professionalism and dedication to his craft. But this consistency has always been his trademark.

Reflecting on that phenomenal 2020/21 season, it's astonishing to consider the circumstances surrounding Kane's achievements. He not only won the Golden Boot but also the Playmaker award, an unprecedented feat for a striker. He carried the Spurs attack, often single-handedly dragging them to victories. That season, he became the focal point of the team’s aspirations and his contributions were more than statistically significant.

Adding another layer of intrigue to this narrative is the fact that Kane achieved this under a manager supposedly renowned for his defensive approach. It challenges the notion that creative attacking football and defensive solidity are mutually exclusive. The fact that Kane could thrive in such a setup speaks volumes about his adaptability and the manager's ability to harness his offensive prowess.

Yet, despite these incredible accomplishments, a lingering question arises: why wasn't Kane duly recognized with the Footballer of the Year award by the esteemed members of the press box? It seems that even with such compelling evidence of his brilliance, he was overlooked by some of the very people who should have been celebrating his talent. This oversight perhaps highlights the subjective nature of awards and the challenges of quantifying a player's true worth.

Furthermore, one might expect that Kane's peers, the very individuals who share the pitch with him and witness his abilities firsthand, would have bestowed upon him the PFA Player of the Year award. This award, voted for by fellow professionals, is often seen as a mark of the highest respect and recognition within the footballing community. However, even this accolade eluded Kane's grasp.

Remarkably, throughout a decade of unwavering individual brilliance, Kane has never received either the Footballer of the Year or the PFA Player of the Year award. This is a startling statistic, considering the level of performance he consistently delivered, often carrying a struggling team on his shoulders. It raises questions about the criteria used to judge such awards and whether individual brilliance is always adequately rewarded.

Kane is destined to become the greatest goalscorer in English football history, a feat that will undoubtedly solidify his place among the legends of the game. However, despite this impending achievement, he remains, in many ways, hugely under-appreciated. It's as if his consistency and excellence have become so commonplace that they are no longer fully valued.

Kane himself has voiced his frustration, lamenting that he is "taken for granted" and that people have become "bored" with his scoring feats. This is a sentiment that resonates with many who have witnessed his career unfold. It's a reminder that even the most exceptional talents can sometimes be overlooked in the relentless pursuit of the next big thing.

Sadly, Kane's observation rings true. He is likely to be truly appreciated in England only when he is no longer gracing the pitches of the Premier League. It's a common phenomenon in sports, where legends are often celebrated more fervently in retrospect than during their active careers.

His transition to the Bundesliga has been seamless, evidenced by his impressive tally of eight goals and three assists in just four appearances this season. He has picked up right where he left off, showing that his goal-scoring prowess transcends leagues and tactical systems. His immediate impact in Germany has only further underscored his value as a player.

Beyond his club form, Kane has also led the English national team with distinction, captaining them to a perfect record in the World Cup qualifiers. His leadership qualities and ability to inspire his teammates are invaluable assets, making him a crucial figure for both club and country.

In stark contrast to Kane's prolific form, no English center-forward in the Premier League has managed to score more than once this season. This statistic highlights a concerning trend: the dwindling number of English strikers playing at the highest level of English football.

This dearth of English center-forwards in the Premier League underscores the potential consequences of losing a player of Kane's caliber. Without his presence leading the line, England's chances of success on the international stage, particularly in the World Cup, would be significantly diminished.

A recent weekend saw Kane reach a remarkable milestone, netting his 468th career goal for club and country. This achievement solidifies his status as one of the most prolific goalscorers of all time, surpassing the legendary Jimmy Greaves, who tallied 464 goals during his illustrious career.

Furthermore, Kane's scoring record for England places him far ahead of his predecessors. He currently boasts 21 more goals than the previous record holder, a testament to his sustained excellence and unwavering commitment to the national team.

Even against the toughest opposition, Kane has consistently delivered. He has a knack for scoring against the world's best teams, including a remarkable tally of ten goals against reigning world champions France. This dispels the myth that he is merely a "flat-track bully" who only scores against weaker opponents.

While some may attempt to downplay his achievements for England by citing the quality of the opposition, Kane's record speaks for itself. He is a World Cup Golden Boot winner and has scored more goals in major tournaments than any other player to wear the Three Lions jersey. He has surpassed legends like Geoff Hurst and scored multiple goals against formidable opponents like Germany and France.

The question remains: why is Kane so often undervalued? Perhaps it's a consequence of the social media age, where negativity and criticism often overshadow genuine appreciation. Or maybe it's simply due to widespread anti-Spurs sentiment, a bias that unfairly colors perceptions of his achievements.

Ultimately, Kane's journey is a reminder that true greatness is often measured not just in trophies and accolades, but in the lasting impact a player has on the game and the hearts of fans. He has already etched his name into football history, and his story is far from over. At a time when football is drowning in stats, the English footballer who is an absolute phenomenon in the only metric which truly matters — goalscoring — is never given his flowers. He will continue to defy expectations and silence doubters, proving that his legacy will endure long after his playing days are over. He has long overtaken former teammate Wayne Rooney as England's top scorer.