Harry Kane goes up against his great rival Romelu Lukaku on Sunday; two of the three joint-top scorers in this season’s Premier League, two of the best young strikers in the game.

Mauricio Pochettino did not want to choose between the pair at his press conference on Friday, saying it was natural he would prefer Kane just as Ronald Koeman would prefer Lukaku. But the Argentine did give a rare insight into Kane, talking up his strength of character and his relentless insistence to Pochettino and assistant Jesus Perez that he can do all the training - especially the shooting practice - that he wants.

It was a surprise admission from Pochettino given Kane is one of the most amiable friendly players at Tottenham but it was an illustration of his commitment and drive to become the best player he can.

Pochettino spoke at length about what he understands “strength of character” to mean and how it meant far more than just emotion and noise. “If you see me shouting on the touchline, behaving like a mad man, you will maybe explain that Pochettino has a very strong character,” he said. “But for me, character is not what you show on the touchline. Character is in every single decision: when you're inside, when you are face-to-face in a room - that is when you need to be brave.”

That is what Pochettino meant when he talked up Kane’s character. It means that he knows where he wants to go and he is prepared to challenge and push his own manager, as difficult as that is, to get there. “What I want to explain is Harry Kane has a very good character, he’s very strong, he’s very professional,” Pochettino said. “He’s a player that always challenge you and that is what I like, like Dele [Alli] or Hugo [Lloris].”

The particular issue where Kane challenges Pochettino is in training. Kane loves working hard in training, making himself the best player he possibly can be. But what he especially enjoys is shooting sessions and scoring goals. There are times when Pochettino wants the players to rest when Kane says he would rather be out on the field.

Liverpool vs Tottenham player ratings Show all 23 1 /23 Liverpool vs Tottenham player ratings Liverpool vs Tottenham player ratings Liverpool vs Tottenham player ratings LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Jurgen Klopp Manager of Liverpool with Mauricio Roberto Pochettino of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on October 27, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) John Powell Liverpool FC via Getty Images Liverpool vs Tottenham player ratings Alisson - 6 out of 10 Soccer Football - Premier League - Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - October 27, 2019 Liverpool's Alisson before the match Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. 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(Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) John Powell Liverpool FC via Getty Images Liverpool vs Tottenham player ratings Davinson Sanchez - 6 Tottenham Hotspur's Colombian defender Davinson Sanchez (L) vies with Liverpool's Brazilian midfielder Roberto Firmino during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on October 27, 2019. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. 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“Sometimes Harry is upset because he wants to do finishing on the afternoon and we say no,” Pochettino revealed with a smile. “‘It’s not the moment. Tomorrow.’ ‘No, but I want to today in the afternoon. I want to do double session.’ ‘Harry, no. Harry, no.’ ‘Oh gaffer, Jesus [Perez], come on, I feel good, I am not tired.’ ‘No, but it’s not good for you.’ Then it was, ‘OK, on the end, maybe half an hour finishing.’ Even though we needed to call two or three keepers from the Academy. That shows his determination and character.”

Not many Tottenham players challenge Pochettino on his methods but the fact that Kane can push and push him and get what he wants – all in entirely good spirit it must be said – shows the natural authority that the 23-year-old has here. The fact that he has 66 Premier League goals already counts for something too, a remarkable record. Lukaku, also 23, is doing even better with 77. Of course Pochettino did not want to go into too much detail comparing the two but his admiration for both players was clear.