Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, a rising star from Cameroon, has been making headlines in the Saudi Pro League with his remarkable goal-scoring prowess. With eight goals in just 15 appearances this season for Damac, Nkoudou credits much of his success to the wise counsel received from none other than England captain Harry Kane.
“I learn a lot from watching Harry because, as a goalscorer, I have never seen anyone like him,”
shared the 29-year-old winger. Their bond dates back to their time together at Tottenham Hotspur between 2016 and 2019. Nkoudou often recalls the invaluable advice he received from Kane during their stint in north London, which continues to shape his approach on the field today.
Nkoudou’s evolution as a player is evident in his impressive goal tally since joining Damac last August. Previously, his best season yielded only eight goals while playing for Besiktas in Turkey. Reflecting on Kane’s guidance, he emphasized how it has helped him become more composed and confident in front of the net.
“He (Kane) always told me ‘You need to be calm’,”
Nkoudou revealed. This advice proved transformative for him as a winger who wasn’t accustomed to being in scoring positions regularly. Thanks to Kane’s influence, Nkoudou has honed his abilities and sharpened his instincts when it matters most on the pitch.
Moving beyond his club successes, Nkoudou’s journey is marked by significant milestones that have shaped both his career and character. His stint at Tottenham Hotspur was pivotal in shaping him not just as a player but also as an individual.
At Spurs, despite facing challenges and limited playing time, Nkoudou embraced the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals and adapt to English football under Mauricio Pochettino’s guidance. The experience not only enhanced his technical skills but also instilled resilience and determination within him.
“It is the part of my life when I learned a lot about football,”
shared Nkoudou reflecting on his time at Tottenham Hotspur. Despite not featuring prominently on match days, he dedicated himself to training diligently and maximizing every learning opportunity that came his way.
Transitioning into international football added another dimension to Nkoudou’s career trajectory. Opting to represent Cameroon over France underscored both familial ties and personal growth for the talented winger.
Debuting for Cameroon while playing for Besiktas marked a significant turning point for Nkoudou. Representing your country at prestigious events like the World Cup holds unparalleled significance for any player.
“Honestly, nothing is like the World Cup,”
remarked Nkoudou on this unforgettable experience where national pride takes center stage above all else.
As he sets sights on future triumphs with Cameroon in upcoming tournaments like Afcon 2025 under coach Marc Brys’ leadership, there’s an air of optimism surrounding Cameroon’s chances of reclaiming glory once again.
Nkoudou’s dedication, coupled with newfound confidence following mentorship from Kane and valuable experiences garnered throughout his career so far paint an exciting picture of what lies ahead for this promising talent.
