Tottenham broke the bank for Dominic Solanke in the summer as they roped him in from Bournemouth in a record deal.
Given how things had turned out with their previous record signing, Tanguy Ndombele, Tottenham fans were understandably worried about Solanke’s prospects. And while it took him a while to get going, the 27-year-old has found his feet is now thriving for the Lilywhites.
This has surprised one former Premier League stalwart manager.
Sam Allardyce surprised by Dominic Solanke’s Tottenham form
In a recent appearance on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, English football manager Sam Allardyce expressed his surprised over the manner in which things have been turning out for Tottenham forward Dominic Solanke.
“Dominic Solanke has surprised me with the fact that he’s, well, will he be 26? He’s in his mid-20s and It’s taken him so long to become a goal scorer.
“Because it was always the lack of goals that which ended up being at Bournemouth. And even in his time at Bournemouth, the first two seasons, it wasn’t a great goal-scoring record until last season.”
Allardyce on Solanke, as quoted by TBR Football.
After a tricky start to life in North London, Solanke has become a regular among the goals and is also leading the Spurs line emphatically with his pressing efforts up front.
Solanke also earned himself an England call-up earlier in the season. He has six goals and two assists so far this season from 14 appearances across all competitions.
A story worth remembering
All people are different people, and in a footballing context rarely two players are alike. We are so used to players emerging as world-beaters before turning 23 that we often overlook the fact that, for many players, their athletic peak does not arrive before their late 20s.
Competing against the likes of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah is easier said than done for seasoned professionals let alone a then-young Solanke. Allardyce’s statements are rather strange considering that players peak at different ages, and Solanke has more than proven his credentials as a top flight goalscorer.
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Such has been the case with Dominic Solanke. He got a big move to Liverpool early on in his career, which did not work out, and he had to work his way up the ladder. His journey is a reminder that, even if it comes late, another big move can and does arrive later in a career as well.
