Joshua Kimmich praises Ballon d'Or winner Harry Kane: "It's really very special"

Joshua Kimmich hailed his "special" teammate Harry Kane, who has committed his future to Bayern Munich, after the win at Mainz.

The England star, recently crowned with the Ballon d'Or, put an end to speculation over his future earlier in the week by signing a new contract with the Bundesliga giants running until 2029.

Kane wrote his name into the Bundesliga history books once again by setting up both of the two goals in the 2-1 win away at Mainz. Taking his assist tally for the season to 8, the star striker became the player with the most assists after the first 9 matchdays of a season in Germany's top flight.

Kimmich, who opened the scoring at the MEWA Arena, paid tribute to the England captain:

"I'm extremely happy for the league that he will keep playing in the Bundesliga. But I'm especially delighted for us, not just because of his goals but because of the tremendous character he has. He is one of the biggest reasons why everything works so seamlessly in the dressing room. He won the Ballon d'Or, but he is still ready to give everything for the team. He is someone who is always there for every one of his teammates, and that is really very special."

Lennart Karl scored Bayern Munich's other goal, and despite Phillip Tietz's strike in stoppage time, the Bavarians held on to their lead and stayed top of the table ahead of Borussia Dortmund on goal difference.

Speaking after the match, assistant coach Aaron Danks said:

"We're very pleased to leave here with three points. Conceding right at the end annoyed us a little; it was important to finish the game without conceding. But we knew a tough atmosphere would be waiting for us when we came here. The pressure from the stands and the fight the opponents put up always make things difficult for us. There were moments when they put our box under pressure from set pieces, but overall we reacted well and stood firm. In the end, we won, so we're positive and happy."