Such a story is quite rare in football nowadays where a player who has come up through the youth ranks and have gone on to establish himself as one of the league's elite. We as fans are impatient. We want success and that too at a moment's notice. To fulfill this short term desire, majority of the clubs with huge monetary backing resort to buy world class talent, which serves two obvious purposes- One, the fans are happy that big name players are donning their club badge; Two, better players means a better chance of lifting a trophy and thus creating some much needed history.
When Pochettino came into the scene at Tottenham, he was under immense pressure after the rut Spurs were in after. Tim Sherewood left the club after being at the helm for a short spell, a period which saw their most revered player, Gareth Bale move to Real Madrid in a big money deal.
Pochettino had to refurnish the squad if he had to make them top 4 contenders. With the Bale money, he did bring in quality players like Soldado, Lamela and Eriksen but unfortunately, things were not clicking. Spurs were looking like an unfinished product in need for that one final piece of the puzzle.
Where most managers would look for the weak link, sell that player and take a gamble on a new one, Pochettino looked for one within, one who understood the Spurs language and spirit. Out came Harry Kane, and what a revelation he has been ever since he dawned the first team jersey in the 2014/15 season.
After coming back from a loan spell from Leicester City, he had a standout season scoring 32 goals in all competitions. Many couldn't fathom the fact that a Spurs trainee was keeping the likes of Roberto Soldado on the bench, and expressed doubts on the fact whether he will be able to continue this form into next season or not.
The doubts have been answered. Tottenham are sitting in second place with an assured Champions league spot with Kane scoring 26 goals in all competitions. He has turned out to be the perfect striker and the missing link which Spurs were desperately searching for. He has the balance to adjust himself in tight spaces and also has the vision and the skill to go with it. His hattrick against Chelsea at the start of last year was one of the most smooth and majestic performances I have seen in quite sometime. He he still doesn't cease to amaze.
Pochettino has to be given a shout out here. Many talents are brewing in the youth ranks of big clubs nowadays. But, hardly a handful get the chance to excel at the top stage. This has to come down to the attitude of the managers. Are they courageous enough to field a bright 18 year old in the midfield? Will they place their trust in the hands (or rather feet) of a youngster? Pochettino did that. Not only did he give Kane a deserved chance, more importantly, he trusted and placed is faith in him and Kane has repaid tenfold.
Words like 'trust' and 'faith' are idealistic terms in the realistic world of football. The Pochettino and Kane is an inspiring story from which other teams should deduce some lessons and morals and implement the same.