Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has turned Harry Kane into the world's deadliest striker as Argentine coach reveals: 'I love helping young players'

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The first player to message Mauricio Pochettino after Tottenham's disastrous end to the 2015-16 season was Harry Kane.

Within 24 hours of Tottenham's humiliating 5-1 defeat at Newcastle that saw them concede second place in the Premier League table to Arsenal, Kane sent his manager a text to thank him for what he had done for him that season.

Of all Tottenham's players, Kane perhaps owes the South American the most and few, if any, are closer to him.

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has helped to turn Harry Kane into a deadly striker

In his diary of last season, Pochettino tells of how he arrived at the club to find Kane had all the habits and mental characteristics of a player in his 30s. It is not meant as a compliment.

In his three seasons at Tottenham, Pochettino has changed Kane as a person, footballer and athlete. Kane, he reveals, always fancied himself as a No 10, but he will travel to Manchester United on Saturday as one of the most feared No 9s in world football.

'I love helping young players,' writes Pochettino. 'It is like planting a tree, watering it and watching it grow.'

In his three seasons at Spurs, Pochettino has changed Kane as a person, player and athlete

Kane, 24, is one of a small group of players used by the manager as go-betweens. Pochettino sees something of himself in his star striker.

He came to prominence at his boyhood club, Newell's Old Boys in Argentina. Kane joined Tottenham at the age of 11.

'There is nothing quite like winning with the team you joined at 13 or 14 and have given your heart and soul to,' said Pochettino. 'You then move to the first team with a feeling of identity that offers the team extra. It's something that will be stamped on every team I coach. It was installed in my genes at Newell's.'

Kane is also one of a small group of players used by the manager as a go-between

It is usual for Kane's phone to beep at 11pm with a message from his manager, usually a video of something Pochettino has seen him — or another top striker — do well in a game.

The Tottenham manager claims in his book that even some players at a club like Crystal Palace are paid more than his. So, if Kane is to remain at Spurs and keep at bay any sense of financial frustration, it would appear his bond with Pochettino will be crucial.

Writing in his diary, Pochettino reveals he cannot talk to players in the way he used to. The days of a training-ground rollicking are gone.

'You have to deal with them more sensitively and grant them the odd privilege,' he says. 'It is a delicate balance.' 

If Kane is to stay at Tottenham then it is clear that Pochettino will be a key reason for that