Benitez: Clear ‘gap’ between Lautaro and Kane, but doubt remains | OneFootball

Rafa Benitez sees a clear ‘gap’ in Harry Kane’s favour when comparing the Bayern Munich star to Lautaro Martinez, but is not sure which one of the two strikers will be more decisive in the upcoming Champions League quarter-finals.

Inter and Bayern Munich will meet in the Champions League quarter-finals next month after beating Feyenoord and Bayer Leverkusen in the Round of 16.

The upcoming European matchup will also be a meeting between two of the best strikers in the continent: Lautaro Martinez and Harry Kane.

“Everyone can have their own preferences,” ex-Inter coach Benitez told Gazzetta when comparing the two hitmen.

“But between Kane and Lautaro, there’s a gap of about 500 goals, with a clear advantage for the Englishman, though he is four years older. Kane, incredibly but true, and also unfairly, has never won anything; Lautaro, deservedly, has claimed league titles, the Copa América, various trophies, and the World Cup. But how can you say who is more decisive in those 180 minutes? They are both monsters.

Benitez: Clear ‘gap’ between Lautaro and Kane, but doubt remains

GETAFE, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 11: Rafa Benitez, Head Coach of Celta Vigo, looks on prior to kick-off ahead of the LaLiga EA Sports match between Getafe CF and Celta Vigo at Coliseum Alfonso Perez on February 11, 2024 in Getafe, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“Bayern-Inter has the feel of an early final. It’s the most fascinating and uncertain match to be played over eight days between Munich and Milan,” continued Benitez.

“Inzaghi is in his fourth season; the team reflects his identity, plays the way he wants, and delivers results. [Bayern Munich coach] Kompany has just arrived and is doing well. He has erased last year’s disappointment for Bayern because finishing third, 18 points behind Leverkusen and behind Stuttgart, certainly wasn’t pleasing for such a prestigious club. But they handled the frustration well, and judging by the results, they made the right choices.”

Benitez also identified the leaders on the two sides.

“A very difficult choice, but I’ll play along: Kimmich fully represents Bayern—he can do everything, he does everything, he’s now the leader. But the list of world-class players is extensive. The same applies to Inter, where Calhanoglu is their most authoritative figure. Kimmich and Calha give me the impression of two giants, a clash of minds.”

Inter are the Serie A table leaders but only have a one-point lead over Napoli and three more points than Atalanta, their next opponent in the league.

Inter and Bayern will meet in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals in Munich on April 8. The return leg will be played at San Siro on April 16.