‘I can’t understand’: Ian Wright says he’s baffled by how Tottenham are using ‘very good’ player
Doubts and concerns are starting to surround Tottenham Hotspur following what has been a rather sluggish start to their Premier League campaign. After four games, Spurs have managed to collect just four points, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning whether Ange Postecoglou’s vision for the team is taking shape as planned. There’s a growing sense that something isn’t quite clicking for the north London club, and their early performances are far from what Postecoglou had in mind when he took charge.
At the beginning of the season, Postecoglou set high expectations, aiming for Tottenham to be serious contenders in the upper echelons of the table. The Australian coach, known for his attacking philosophy and ability to build dynamic, free-flowing teams, envisioned Spurs pushing for a top-four spot or even challenging for the Premier League title. However, after these opening games, Tottenham finds itself closer to the relegation zone than the summit of the table, which is far from ideal for a club with such lofty ambitions.
One of the most significant areas of focus has been Tottenham’s transfer business over the summer, particularly the signing of Dominic Solanke, who arrived at the club amid much fanfare. Seen as a marquee acquisition, Solanke was expected to inject fresh energy into the Spurs attack. However, the striker has yet to open his account for the club, and his failure to find the back of the net has been a key talking point. The pressure is already mounting on Solanke, with some questioning whether he can live up to the hype that surrounded his £65 million move from Bournemouth.
Solanke’s struggles were highlighted in Tottenham’s recent clash against Arsenal, where the forward came under fire for his performance. He looked uncomfortable, lacking sharpness and confidence, and was unable to make a significant impact in one of the club’s most important fixtures. As a result, doubts have arisen about how he fits into Postecoglou’s system, with many wondering whether the club is using him in the best possible way.
One of the most vocal critics of Solanke’s role at Tottenham has been former Arsenal striker and football pundit Ian Wright. During his appearance on *The Kelly and Wrighty Show*, Wright shared his thoughts on Solanke’s early performances and expressed confusion about the way Tottenham has been utilizing their new signing. According to Wright, Solanke seems to be burdened by expectations to score goals, and that pressure is affecting his ability to play with the fluidity and confidence that he displayed in previous seasons.
“I’m really baffled by how Tottenham are using Dominic Solanke,” Wright said. “This is a player who has been through a lot in his career. He’s done the hard graft – leaving Chelsea, spending time at Liverpool, and then working his way up at Bournemouth. He’s not someone who has been known for scoring a massive amount of goals, but we’ve all seen what he’s capable of in terms of his all-around play. His link-up play, his ability to hold the ball up, and his work in running the channels are all top-notch.”
Wright went on to explain that Solanke’s strengths lie beyond just his ability to score goals, and Tottenham should be focusing on utilizing those qualities to enhance their overall play. “What Solanke brings to the table is something different,” Wright continued. “He offers Tottenham an alternative approach – they can play the ball up to him, go long when needed, and allow him to bring others into play. He’s the kind of striker who can hold the ball up and create space for his teammates. I don’t understand why they’re so focused on him scoring goals. If they let him play his natural game, the goals will come. He just needs to relax and stop feeling like he’s only there to find the net.”
Wright’s comments touch on a broader issue that has plagued many strikers who join top clubs – the overwhelming pressure to score goals often overshadows the other valuable contributions they can make to the team. In Solanke’s case, it appears that the weight of expectation, especially given his hefty price tag, has caused him to lose sight of the wider aspects of his game. Rather than being allowed to play with freedom and focus on his strengths, Solanke seems to be caught up in the idea that he must deliver goals immediately to justify his transfer fee.
This kind of pressure can have a detrimental effect on a player’s confidence, particularly someone like Solanke, who thrives when he can contribute in multiple ways. As Wright pointed out, the striker’s ability to hold up the ball, link up with midfielders, and work tirelessly off the ball are all attributes that made him a success at Bournemouth. Tottenham needs to find a way to harness those qualities if they want to get the best out of him.
That said, it’s important to remember that Solanke is still adjusting to life at Tottenham. Moving to a club of this size, with greater expectations and scrutiny, is never easy, and it often takes time for new signings to settle in and find their rhythm. Solanke has already shown in the past that he has what it takes to be a top-level Premier League striker. Last season, he was one of Bournemouth’s standout performers, helping them secure survival in the top flight with his all-round contributions.
While he has yet to break his duck at Tottenham, there’s little doubt that once he finds his footing, Solanke will begin to justify the club’s investment in him. The £65 million fee may seem steep now, but if Tottenham can unlock his potential and use him in a way that
