“He is trying, don’t know why the fans aren’t seeing it”- Glenn Hoddle urges Spurs fans to give important player ‘a bit of time’
Critics Silenced as Solanke Proves His Worth at Tottenham
When Tottenham Hotspur broke their transfer record to secure Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth for a staggering £65 million, it set tongues wagging. The eye-watering fee raised eyebrows not only among pundits and rival fans but also within a section of the Spurs faithful, who wondered if the 26-year-old striker was worth the investment. Many questioned whether the Lilywhites had overpaid for a player who, despite his clear talent, had yet to consistently deliver elite-level numbers in the Premier League. Some even feared that Tottenham were paying for potential rather than proven quality, especially after the departure of club icon Harry Kane, whose shadow loomed large over any incoming forward.
However, as the season progresses, it is clear that Solanke is steadily dispelling the doubts and quieting his critics. While his goal count of three in nine appearances across all competitions might seem modest at first glance, those numbers only tell part of the story. What the statistics fail to capture is the substantial impact Solanke has had on the team’s overall play. Spurs fans have quickly warmed to the striker, recognizing the qualities that set him apart and the ways in which he elevates Tottenham’s attacking game.
Solanke’s work off the ball has been particularly impressive. His relentless pressing, intelligent positioning, and ability to hold up the ball have been key to Spurs’ build-up play. Whether it’s harrying opposition defenders into mistakes or dropping deep to link up with the midfield, Solanke’s contribution goes far beyond the traditional role of a centre-forward. His awareness, sharp movements, and quick feet have made him the perfect foil for Tottenham’s dynamic wide attackers, particularly Heung-min Son, Dejan Kulusevski, and Brennan Johnson. His presence allows them to exploit spaces and express themselves, giving the team a fluidity that has been a hallmark of Ange Postecoglou’s evolving Spurs side.
Glenn Hoddle’s High Praise for Solanke
Solanke’s performances have not only won over the fans but also earned praise from club legend Glenn Hoddle. The former Spurs manager and player, widely regarded as one of the finest football minds in the game, has been impressed by what he has seen from the striker so far. Speaking in the aftermath of Tottenham’s 2-0 victory over West Ham, Hoddle was full of optimism about Solanke’s future in a Spurs shirt.
Appearing on TNT Sports, Hoddle remarked, “Dominic Solanke is the type of player Spurs need. He’s working tirelessly, and while the goals haven’t flowed yet in abundance, I’m confident that they will. If he keeps persisting, he’ll be picking up those crucial six-yard box goals that Tottenham need. He knows how to position himself in the danger areas, and that instinctive ability will see him score plenty as the season goes on.”
Hoddle added that while Solanke has shown an aptitude for being a provider and link-up man, there’s more to his game than meets the eye. “And there’s a goal in him, too. He’s got the ability to manufacture chances on his own. We’ve seen flashes of it—he can drop his shoulder, take a defender on, and create something out of nothing. I think as he settles in further, we’ll see him at his very best, and Spurs will reap the rewards of that.”
These comments highlight the confidence that those close to the club have in Solanke’s ability to grow into a key player for Tottenham. Hoddle’s observations are particularly significant given his experience at the top level, both as a player and manager, making his endorsement of Solanke even more meaningful for Spurs supporters.
Solanke’s Growing Connection with Tottenham’s Attackers
Beyond his individual qualities, Solanke’s growing connection with his attacking teammates has been one of the most exciting aspects of his early Tottenham career. With Son Heung-min, Brennan Johnson, and Dejan Kulusevski all thriving alongside him, there are signs that Spurs have the makings of a formidable front line. For Son in particular, Solanke’s arrival has provided something the South Korean had been missing since the departure of Harry Kane—a reliable focal point in attack.
Solanke’s ability to drop deep and drag defenders out of position has opened up space for Son to make his trademark out-to-in runs, slicing between full-backs and center-backs. This movement allows Son to operate more freely, exploiting the gaps created by Solanke’s positioning and intelligent play. In many ways, Solanke has reinvigorated Son’s game, allowing him to thrive in ways he hadn’t been able to in the early stages of the season.
Meanwhile, Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski have also benefited from Solanke’s hold-up play and link-up ability. With Solanke capable of absorbing pressure and distributing the ball efficiently, the wide forwards can focus on making penetrating runs and creating chances from the flanks. His quick feet and awareness mean that even when tightly marked, he can bring others into play with clever flicks and passes, unlocking defenses and setting up his teammates for goal-scoring opportunities.
This growing understanding among Tottenham’s attackers is a promising sign for the team’s long-term ambitions. With Solanke as the linchpin in Postecoglou’s attacking system, Spurs have a forward line that is both fluid and dangerous, capable of breaking down even the most organized defenses. The chemistry between these players is still developing, but as they continue to gel, there’s little doubt that Tottenham’s attack will become one of the most feared in the Premier League.
A Key Piece in Postecoglou’s Vision for Spurs
For manager Ange Postecoglou, Solanke’s versatility and work rate are exactly what he needs as he looks to guide Tottenham to greater heights. The Australian coach has been clear in his vision for the club—one that is built on high-energy pressing, quick transitions, and fluid attacking play. In Solanke, he has found a forward who not only fits that vision but also enhances it.
Postecoglou’s system requires all eleven players to contribute both defensively and offensively, and Solanke’s tireless running and intelligent positioning have made him a key component in that approach. His willingness to chase down defenders, press high up the pitch, and make selfless runs for the benefit of his teammates has earned him the trust of his coach, and it’s clear that Postecoglou sees him as a long-term solution in Tottenham’s attack.
While Solanke is still early in his Spurs journey, the signs are overwhelmingly positive. As his understanding with his teammates deepens and his confidence grows, he could well develop into one of the standout players of the season. His ability to adapt and thrive in Postecoglou’s system bodes well for Tottenham’s aspirations, both in the Premier League and in their quest to secure Champions League football.
With Solanke leading the line, Tottenham can look to the future with optimism, knowing they have a striker who not only silences his critics but also elevates those around him.