Before Harry Kane became Tottenham’s long-term talisman, another striker believed he was the club’s main man.
Emmanuel Adebayor arrived at Spurs as a marquee signing, earning the top salary and carrying the expectations of a team desperate to close the gap on England’s elite.
The former Arsenal striker joined Tottenham on loan before signing permanently, quickly becoming one of the dressing room leaders.
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His status and wage packet reflected the trust Spurs placed in him during a period of constant managerial change.
But everything shifted when a young Harry Kane began emerging from the academy, returning from multiple loan spells with a hunger to prove himself.
USA goalkeeper Brad Friedel has now revealed exactly how Adebayor reacted when Kane broke into the starting XI.
Adebayor’s Response to Kane’s Rise
Friedel explained that Adebayor initially thrived under Harry Redknapp before running into issues under Andre Villas-Boas.
Despite being the club’s highest earner, his place came under threat as Tim Sherwood—who knew Kane’s potential well—placed full trust in the young striker.
Even then, Adebayor remained professional. Friedel described him as “a lovely guy” who caused no problems despite losing his spot, reports Talk Sport.
The situation created pressure on the managers and on chairman Daniel Levy, who refused to intervene in team selection regardless of a player’s salary.
Mauricio Pochettino later restored Adebayor’s relationship with the club before helping him secure a move to Crystal Palace, clearing the way for Kane’s rise.
Kane soon became Tottenham’s all-time leading scorer, while Adebayor departed having handled the transition with dignity.
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