Like Chelsea captain Terry, Spurs starlet Harry Kane cost his club nothing. And both men want to spend their whole careers at the club they love.
But while Chelsea are packed full of expensive foreign stars, Kane is one of four ‘homegrown’ players set to be in today’s line-up who have come through the Spurs academy.
The young striker, Ryan Mason, Andros Townsend and Nabil Bentaleb are the proof that, unlike Chelsea, Spurs believe they might not need to buy the success their opponents have paid so much for so far.
It’s a dream the four of them will be living today. Particularly Kane.
His impact this season has been dramatic - and the difference between the two sides is not lost on him.
Kane says: “There is a lot of money in football these days and if a team haven’t got an answer they always seem to just go and buy someone.
“But we have young players here like me, Ryan, Andros and Nabil who have shown you don’t always have to buy players. There are young academy players who are good enough but who don’t get their chance on the big stage. Fortunately for us we did.”
He’s too polite to say so, but that’s why Kane’s message to Roman Abramovich and Jose Mourinho today could be: Look and learn.
“Chelsea are Chelsea,” he says. “They are buying a lot of players, but maybe they will watch us and start looking to the academy and see what players they have there.
“It is such a cut throat league and there is pressure for all the managers, so it’s tough. You have to have a strong manager to do that.”
Thankfully for Kane and co they have that manager in Mauricio Pochettino. But even if and when the Argentinian leaves, his young striker won’t be following him. Like John Terry at Chelsea he is more than happy to remain a one-club man.
“It’s something I’d love to do,” he admits. “If I was at Tottenham in 10 years’ time and still playing, I’d be very proud and very honoured.
“I love the club. I love playing here and hopefully I can continue for years to come.”
John Terry has said the same about Chelsea, but as his love affair with one club could soon be coming to an end Kane’s is really just beginning.
He still sounds like the excited fan he used to be when he points to the people who have inspired him so far. Players like his “world class” hero, David Beckham, former teammates Robbie Keane and Jermain Defoe, and present coach, Pochettino.
Chelsea v Tottenham - League Cup Final Preview
But perhaps most of all, his mum and dad.
They will be at Wembley today supporting him like they always have and hoping there will be a repeat of the 5-3 win Spurs had over Chelsea earlier in the season and the dramatic Carling Cup victory they all watched from the stands together back in 2008.
Kane recalls: “I was there as a fan with the family and it was great to see Spurs lift the trophy.
“It is something I have been thinking about this week hoping I will be up there lifting the trophy. That will be something special.”
Add that to the two goals he scored in that Premier League romp this season and you can understand why today’s game holds few fears for Spurs own Roy Of The Rovers.
“Maybe that win gives us confidence knowing that we beat them and scored five goals,” he suggests. “ That will probably be at the back of their minds, but then they beat us 3-0 at home, so they will have that in their minds as well. It’s going to be a good game - two good teams going head to head.”
Will Chelsea be vulnerable without Matic? That’s one Kane isn’t so sure about.
“They have a great squad and have players who can come in very well,” he admits.
“It’s all about what we can do. Even if we go a goal behind we know we can come back and last Sunday (against West Ham) was a big example of that. 2-0 down, but we still came back.”
In the meantime Kane - and his childhood sweetheart Kate Goodland - are now also getting used to being famous.
“I was a fan once and I’m happy to sign autographs and have pictures,” he says. “And if I continue to do well it is something Kate will have to get used to too.”
That could become an even bigger issue next month when the England squad for the games against Lithuania and Italy is named.
“If I get the call it will be a very proud moment for me and my family. But right now I’m just doing my best for Tottenham Hotspur,” he added.
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