Mauricio Pochettino "in love" with Harry Kane after latest brace

Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino has described Harry Kane as the "best striker in the world" following his two-goal showing against West Ham United.

The England international took his goals tally for the season to eight in nine games for club and country, each of which have come in the month of September.

Kane proved the difference in Saturday lunchtime's London derby showdown against the Hammers, netting twice in the first half to help his side to a 3-2 victory.

Pochettino believes that Kane is now not only a world-class quality striker, but he can be considered the outright best on the planet on current form.

"Not only in England but in the world - for me he's the best striker in the world," he told reporters. "I'm in love with him as the fans are. He is great, he is fantastic, it is difficult to find different words.

"He is a great striker, his mentality is fantastic, he is so humble. I think, yes, I am in love with him. You can feel that."

Only Barcelona forward Lionel Messi (34 goals in 26 appearances) has a better scoring record than Kane (25 in 23) in Europe's top five leagues this calendar year.