Both Tottenham Hotspur and star striker Harry Kane concluded 2017 in spectacular fashion on Boxing Day, with a 5-2 win over Southampton at Wembley on Tuesday.
For Spurs, the result is an indicator that the London club are ready to make an assault towards the pinnacle of English football, with the gap between fifth place and Manchester United in second now down to six points.
In terms of Kane, his latest feat plays a role in reconfirming the striker’s world-class status.
The Tottenham centre forward’s hat-trick, his eighth of 2017, means he ends the year with 56 goals for club and country – the most of any player in Europe’s top five leagues.
Kane also broke Alan Shearer’s longstanding goal record for a calendar year in the process, with the homegrown hero netting an incredible 39 times in the Premier League over the last 12 months.
Tottenham fans have long adored their superstar striker, but in 2017 he has truly propelled himself into the limelight of a global audience.
Few could argue that Kane is now world class and one of the most-rounded and complete centre forwards in the game.
While cynical pundits have started to say that the player is progressing at a faster pace than the club, I contend that Kane can be the heartbeat of a Tottenham side that will contest major honours for years to come.
With speculation over his reported suitors including some of the world’s biggest clubs, it is only natural that the Spurs man needs to ensure he is content in his current environment.
To keep Kane at Tottenham, a number of things must happen.
The club need to keep hold of their main players, including Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli, Eric Dier and Toby Alderweireld – and most importantly, Mauricio Pochettino.
Tottenham need to win silverware, even a minor cup, to complete the team’s evolution over the last two years.
And finally, Kane needs to become the club’s highest-ever earner and be paid what he deserves – which is more than the constraints of Daniel Levy’s wage structure.
The local boy can be the driving force ahead of a move into a new stadium – but Spurs need to reiterate just how important he is to the club.
If this happens and Tottenham can continue to thrive in both the Premier League and Champions League, Kane can become a club legend.