Tottenham’s big money summer signing, Dominic Solanke, has been a topic of debate, with Ian Wright weighing in on the striker’s role in the squad.
Solanke joined Spurs on a six-year contract from Bournemouth in a deal worth £65 million, but he has yet to find the back of the net for his new club.
His slow start reflects the team’s broader struggles, as Tottenham currently sit 13th in the Premier League, having only earned four points from their first four matches.
Ian Wright has voiced his concern over how Solanke is being used by Ange Postecoglou. The former Arsenal striker believes Solanke has much more to offer than just scoring goals.
Wright highlighted the Englishman’s strengths in holding up play, linking up with teammates, and effectively running the channels—qualities that could add a new dimension to Spurs’ attacking play.
Wright suggested that, instead of focusing solely on Solanke’s goalscoring, Spurs should allow him to capitalize on these abilities.
This could reduce the pressure on Solanke, allowing him to perform more freely and naturally, which may ultimately lead to better chances in front of goal.
Speaking on the Kelly and Wrighty Show, the pundit said:
“What I think with Dominic Solanke is that he’s done the work. He left Chelsea, went to Liverpool, went to Bournemouth, he’s not scored copious amounts of goals, but we’ve seen what he’s capable of.
“He should be in that phase in his mind where he’s thinking ‘right I’m going to go there. Because his link up play and hold-up play and running channels is very good.
“He could give Spurs a different option, they can play up to him and go long, he can give them options other people can’t and I can’t understand why they’re not making him focus on that so that when the chances come he’s more relaxed about it rather than feeling at the moment he’s in there predominantly to score goals.”
Solanke enjoyed a standout campaign last season, netting 21 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions, making him the fourth joint-top scorer in the Premier League. Tottenham supporters are hopeful that, with improved service from the team, he can rediscover this form.
As Tottenham aim to climb the table, utilising Solanke’s full range of abilities could be crucial in unlocking the team’s attacking potential and turning their season around.
