“It is so unusual”- Micky Van de Ven cannot believe what one Spurs star does every game that has got the entire team surprise
Micky van de Ven has quickly become one of the many at Tottenham who are taken aback by the incredible work rate and versatility of his new teammate, Dominic Solanke. Having arrived in a £65 million transfer, Solanke had high expectations to meet, and while he’s only netted two goals in his first six Premier League outings, his performances have left a strong impression. The 26-year-old forward has silenced any early critics by proving his value extends far beyond scoring alone, emerging as an essential piece in Ange Postecoglou’s dynamic system.
From the moment he stepped onto the pitch, Solanke demonstrated why he was brought into the squad. His tireless energy, tactical awareness, and ability to operate as both a physical and technical forward make him a formidable asset. He has settled into Postecoglou’s setup with surprising ease, blending seamlessly into a style that relies on swift transitions, high pressing, and constant movement. Solanke has quickly become a focal point of Spurs’ attacking play, his contributions evident not just in his direct goal involvements, but in how he disrupts opposing defenses, often forcing mistakes with his relentless pressing and presence.
For van de Ven, one of Tottenham’s new defensive standouts, Solanke’s sheer endurance is something to marvel at. The Dutch defender, who himself has displayed impressive athleticism, admitted he’s sometimes baffled watching the forward’s intensity. Speaking to Football.London, he shared, “Dom has been unbelievable since he joined – he works so hard across the pitch. Even as a striker, you see him both offensively and defensively; he just keeps running the entire game. I watch him and think, ‘Wow, how does he keep sprinting non-stop?’” This praise speaks volumes, as van de Ven is no stranger to putting in physical shifts himself. Yet, Solanke’s willingness to chase every loose ball, press from the front, and defend from the front foot is unparalleled, giving his teammates an invaluable layer of support.
Perhaps one of Solanke’s most impressive traits is his ability to do the unglamorous work without losing focus on his primary responsibilities. While fans and analysts alike often measure strikers by their goals, Solanke has redefined what it means to lead the line for Spurs. His defensive efforts start from the top, giving opponents no room to breathe as he tirelessly hounds center-backs and goalkeepers. Solanke’s pressing disrupts the opponent’s build-up play and forces hurried decisions, leading to turnovers that Tottenham can exploit in advanced positions.
But Solanke isn’t just a defensive asset; his presence up front has unlocked new dimensions in Tottenham’s attack. Unlike a traditional target man, he frequently drops deep to retrieve the ball, linking play between midfield and the final third. This has provided Postecoglou’s squad with a fluidity and unpredictability that Spurs may have lacked in previous seasons. His ability to occupy defenders opens up space for other attacking talents, especially Heung-min Son and Brennan Johnson. Son, in particular, has thrived alongside Solanke, using the spaces created by the striker’s movement to make his classic out-to-in runs behind defenders. Solanke’s positioning allows Son to exploit these gaps, and their budding partnership has only strengthened Tottenham’s offensive threat.
Beyond creating space, Solanke’s playmaking abilities also shine. When dropping back, he can hold up the ball and make quick, accurate passes to advancing midfielders or wide players. This multifaceted approach has been instrumental in Spurs’ recent performances, allowing the team to shift from defense to attack rapidly. His game intelligence and vision have enabled him to anticipate the movements of his teammates, making him as much a creator as a finisher. His assists and pre-assist actions highlight a well-rounded skill set that Tottenham have been eager to capitalize on.
Solanke’s signing has not only added physical presence but has also introduced a forward with the intelligence and versatility to adapt his game as needed. His role is more nuanced than that of a traditional striker; he’s a forward who combines a strong build with agility, stamina, and tactical awareness, consistently giving his best both offensively and defensively. This blend of attributes has made him a difficult player for defenders to handle, often pulling them out of position or pinning them back to create opportunities for his teammates.
In every match, Solanke is showing Tottenham supporters and his fellow players exactly what the team was missing up front. His ability to wear down defenses, create space for others, and contribute to defensive efforts has raised the level of Spurs’ play. Far from being just a goal scorer, Solanke is proving to be an engine, a workhorse, and a facilitator, elevating the team’s all-around performance. With his dedication and adaptability, Spurs fans are optimistic that he will continue to play a crucial role, helping Tottenham reach new heights this season.
As he becomes more comfortable in the squad, the potential for even greater synergy with teammates like Son, Johnson, and midfield playmakers becomes evident. Solanke’s presence has breathed new life into Tottenham’s attack, and his impact on the squad seems only likely to grow as he gains confidence and builds chemistry with his fellow Spurs players. The Tottenham faithful, along with players like van de Ven, can only watch in admiration as he continues to deliver with determination and tactical intelligence, adding another layer of excitement to the club’s promising season under Postecoglou.