Since joining Spurs, Dominic Solanke has become a crucial component of Ange Postecoglou’s high-energy system, proving his worth as an all-round forward who is vital to Tottenham’s success. But just how good of a signing has he been? Let’s find out.
Spurs’ pressing system and Solanke’s role in reshaping the attack
Dominic Solanke’s arrival at Tottenham Hotspur this summer came with high expectations following his impressive 19-goal season with Bournemouth. Signed to lead Spurs’ attack, he was brought in as part of Ange Postecoglou’s strategy to build a front line capable of pressing from the front and reclaiming possession in the opposition’s half.
Solanke is tasked not only with scoring goals but with bringing a tenacity and work ethic that would align with Postecoglou’s high-pressing system, and the early signs have been promising; he has quickly established himself as a forward who doesn’t just wait for opportunities to come his way but actively participates in all phases of play, giving Spurs an edge in attack and defence alike.
Postecoglou’s style demands an intense, relentless approach to pressing, and Solanke has stepped up to deliver within the first-team squad. His heat map this season shows his involvement across the pitch, reflecting a player who understands the value of pressing and recapturing possession high up the field.
Tottenham’s system depends on this; by constantly pressuring opponents and winning the ball back in the final third, Spurs are able to launch rapid, sustained attacks. Solanke’s energy and stamina in these pressing situations have been critical, allowing him to support midfield link-ups, recover possession, and orchestrate attacks that give Spurs an immediate goal threat.
Solanke’s stats highlight his growth and Spurs’ evolution in attack
Since moving to Spurs, Solanke’s statistics reveal a more refined and well-rounded game than his time at Bournemouth, underscoring how well he has adapted to Tottenham’s system. Defensively, his improvement has been significant; he has won 66.7% of his tackles compared to just 47.8% last season, indicating his increased defensive commitment.(fotmob)
His aerial duel success rate has also climbed from 41.9% to 55.9%, showing his ability to contest effectively in the air, an essential quality for a striker in Postecoglou’s system as this helps the team to retain possession. Additionally, Solanke’s higher rate of recoveries and duels won demonstrate his pressing capabilities, a critical aspect for Spurs in regaining control and keeping opponents on the back foot.
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Offensively, Solanke’s impact extends beyond his goal tally, with his four goals supported by an expected goals (xG) of 5.49, revealing a strong goal-scoring threat. He has managed 14 shots on target from 24 attempts, displaying a respectable level of accuracy, though there remains potential for even greater clinicality.
His hold-up play has also excelled, helping him create four chances and an assist so far, which is a testament to his improved passing ability. Solanke’s successful pass rate of 72.2% includes an increase in accurate long balls, with his long-ball accuracy rising to 62.5%, a leap that aligns with Spurs’ quick transition game and highlights his readiness to connect with teammates and initiate attacks. His pressing and passing have both benefited Spurs’ system, proving that he is much more than a traditional target man.
In short, these defensive and offensive improvements show how Solanke has not only grown individually but has also elevated Tottenham’s overall play. By enhancing his contributions in pressing and possession, Solanke has demonstrated that he can both lead from the front and facilitate Spurs’ attacking flow.
Solanke’s potential to evolve into a complete forward for Spurs
Despite his immediate impact, Solanke’s full potential as a forward is yet to be unlocked, especially when it comes to goal-scoring, where fans are hopeful for even greater returns. His four goals are a strong start, but as Spurs’ main striker surrounded by creative players, he is expected to surpass his Bournemouth goal tally of 19 this season.
While his all-round play has been exceptional—particularly his ability to draw defenders and bring midfielders into play—adding more goals will be key in fulfilling the role envisioned for him. His work rate and understanding of Spurs’ pressing game have earned him a FotMob rating of 7.24, evidence of his impressive performances thus far.
As Solanke continues to develop his finishing, there is every reason to believe he will evolve into a complete forward who embodies the pressing and possession-based ethos that Postecoglou has installed. His all-round contributions this season have shown that he is an influential presence for Spurs, not only as a goal scorer but as a player who drives the team forward. I will even go as far as to say that he has been the signing of the summer for Spurs this season.