'Absolute laugh' - Harry Kane defended from 'out of order' criticism after Bayern Munich star's anonymous display against Aston Villa

Despite Kane’s impressive tally of 54 goals in 53 games for Bayern the German media has taken issue with his recent performances. The England skipper failed to find the net against Bayer Leverkusen last weekend and also drew a blank against Villa on Wednesday evening which has drawn severe media criticism.

After a quiet display in last week's 1-1 draw with Leverkusen, Bild slammed the forward's performance and he was in the headlines again after his showing against Villa, only registering two late shots late in the game as the Premier League side won 1-0.

In response to the criticism, Keown took to the White and Jordan show to address the media’s harsh stance on Kane. He said on talkSPORT: "I think the German media are having an absolute laugh to be criticising him after what he’s done for Bayern since he’s been there.

"He isn’t the reason they didn’t win the Bundesliga last year. He’s been magnificent. He could’ve got them back into the game against Villa right at the end but Emi Martinez made a great save.

“I find it ridiculous. If he was German he would be lauded and we’d be talking about him for years to come, but in Germany for some reason they want to criticise him. It’s out of order. 54 goals in 53 games is not someone who is not doing it.”

While Kane may face ongoing scrutiny from sections of the German press due to his recent dip in form, his accomplishments at Bayern are difficult to ignore. His ability to find the back of the net has not diminished, with the 31-year-old scoring 10 goals in eight appearances across all competitions this season. In fact, even in the Champions League he bagged four goals against Dinamo Zagreb, which propelled him to become the highest-scoring English player in the tournament, overtaking Wayne Rooney.

Kane will have to shoulder extra responsibility at Bayern as Jamal Musiala has picked up a hip injury which will keep him out of the next Bundesliga fixture against Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday. The English striker will have another opportunity to rise to the occasion and silence his doubters by inspiring Bayern to the three points.