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PFA Young Player of the Year winner Harry Kane's big moments this season

Harry Kane applauds the fans after the Premier League match between Burnley and Tottenham

After Harry Kane won the PFA Young Player of the Year award on Sunday, we take a look back at the defining moments of his breakthrough season...

First Premier League goal

Tottenham striker Harry Kane (18) strikes the second goal from a free kick during the Premier League match at Aston Villa
Image: Kane's first Premier League goal came against Villa

Kane hit eight goals in seven Europa League and Capital One Cup appearances in the first three months of the season, but there were still lingering doubts over whether he could deliver in the Premier League.

His first league goal, however, set the tone for what was to follow. Kane proved a real handful for Aston Villa after replacing Emmanuel Adebayor in the 58th minute at Villa Park on November 2, and after Nacer Chadli had cancelled out Andreas Weimann’s early strike, Kane smashed home a last-minute free kick to clinch an important win.

"We are really happy with him because in every competition he has scored, his display was good and the three points are very important for us,” said Spurs head coach Mauricio Pochettino. “He maybe deserves to play in the Premier League more.”

First Premier League start

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Tottenham and England forward Harry Kane, gives a shooting masterclass.

Pochettino finally handed Kane his first Premier League start the following week at home to Stoke City.

Kane had strengthened his case by scoring in a Europa League clash against Asteras in midweek, but he was unable to prevent Spurs from slipping to a 2-1 defeat against the Potters at White Hart Lane.

Despite the disappointing result, however, this was nonetheless a pivotal game for Kane. Since then, he has started 21 consecutive Premier League games.

Brace against Chelsea

Harry Kane of Spurs runs with the ball under pressure from Branislav Ivanovic of Chelsea
Image: Kane scored twice against Chelsea on New Year's Day

Kane proved his big game credentials with an outstanding individual display in Tottenham’s remarkable 5-3 win over Chelsea on New Year’s Day.

The striker hit two goals, including a superb finish from 20 yards to cancel out Diego Costa’s opener, and also chipped in with an assist.

They were Kane’s first goals against a top four opponent, as he gave the Premier League’s best centre-back pairing of John Terry and Gary Cahill the run around.

North London derby hero

Harry Kane leaps to score Tottenham's winning goal, and his second of the game, with an unstoppable header past Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina
Image: Kane was the star of the north London derby at White Hart Lane

Much was made of Kane’s brief spell at Arsenal as a youngster in the build-up to their meeting at White Hart Lane in February, but he made it clear where his allegiances lie as his brace gave Spurs a 2-1 win.

Mesut Ozil put the Gunners ahead but Kane struck an equaliser from close-range before a superb looping header in the 86th minute gave Pochettino’s men north London bragging rights.

“In my first north London derby, it’s a feeling that I can’t really describe,” Kane reflected. “It’s one that I won’t forget. It’s a special day."

First England call-up

Harry Kane of England celebrates after scoring on his debut against Lithuania
Image: Kane scored on his debut against Lithuania

Roy Hodgson was in the stands at White Hart Lane that day, and it came as little surprise when Kane was handed his first England call-up just a few weeks later.

His Three Lions career started in fairytale fashion as he headed home a Raheem Sterling cross with his third touch just 80 seconds after coming off the bench for his debut in the 4-0 win over Lithuania.

Hodgson then gave Kane his first start in the friendly against Italy and the 21-year-old played the full 90 minutes as they drew 1-1 in Turin.

First Premier League hat-trick

Harry Kane scores his third goal from the penalty spot
Image: Kane's first hat-trick came against Leicester

In the time between receiving his England call-up and making his international debut, there was also the small matter of a hat-trick in Tottenham’s 4-3 win over Leicester on March 21.

The treble took his Spurts tally to 29 for the season. After slotting home the opening goal, Kane scored with a deflected shot before completing his hat-trick from the penalty spot.

Hitting the 30 goal mark

Harry Kane scores the third goal poast Tim Krul.
Image: Kane took his tally to 30 for the season against Newcastle

A composed finish in their 3-1 win away to Newcastle last week made Kane the first Spurs player to hit 30 goals in a season since Gary Lineker in 1991/92.

"It's great to reach that milestone,” he told Spurs TV. “It felt like I was on 29 for ages and to be able to get to 30 now and 20 in the league is special - and to win the game makes it even better.”

But Kane isn’t resting on his laurels. "The season doesn't finish here,” he added. “There are still [four] more games left and I'll be trying to get on the scoresheet in as many of those games and get as many wins as we can."

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