Dominic Solanke arrived at Tottenham with a hefty price tag, immediately putting pressure on him to make an instant impact. Despite initial doubts, the English forward has quickly become essential for Ange Postecoglou’s system, and here’s why.
Tottenham’s decision to bring in Dominic Solanke over other options may have raised a few eyebrows initially, but recent stats reveal just how perfectly he fits Ange Postecoglou’s pressing system.
The numbers, shared by Premier League statistician Jonny Blain, show that Solanke is outperforming every other player in the league when it comes to putting pressure on opponents in their defensive third.
Why Dominic Solanke is already a key piece for Tottenham
The 26-year-old forward tops the Premier League chart with 240 pressures in the first third this season, a number far ahead of any other player, no one else even comes close, with the next highest at under 175.
This relentless pressing has added a new edge to Spurs’ attack, making Solanke a vital piece of Postecoglou's strategy, which revolves around high-intensity play and constantly challenging opponents.
Beyond the numbers, it’s clear Solanke’s work rate has transformed Tottenham’s forward line. Spurs lacked a physical presence up front last season, and Solanke has more than filled that gap.
But he’s not just about muscle; he also drops deep to combine smoothly with midfielders, creating space and linking up play effectively, all while maintaining an eye for goal.
His pressing is more than just running; it's well-timed and effectively forces defenders and goalkeepers into uncomfortable positions, disrupting their attempts to build from the back.
Pressures in final third this season:
— Jonny Blain (@jonoblain) November 3, 2024
Dominic Solanke 240
Everybody else Under 175
And he missed two matches. Absolute beast.#thfc #coys #spurs
For fans who initially criticised Tottenham’s choice of Solanke over Ivan Toney, it’s a fair moment for some humble pie. The former Bournemouth star may not have been the flashiest name on the market, but he was Postecoglou’s top target for a reason.
The Australian manager's focus on finding players who fit his high-octane style is paying off. Solanke’s pressing ability, combined with his versatility, means he’s offering something truly valuable that goes beyond traditional striker roles.
In a market where top-quality number nines are hard to come by, the £65 million fee Spurs paid for Solanke now looks like a shrewd investment. His impact on the pitch has not only boosted Tottenham’s pressing game but has also added resilience to the squad as a whole.
How many goals has Solanke scored for Spurs?
The 26-year-old forward has played 14 matches this season for Tottenham Hotspur, scoring 6 goals across 5 of those games, with Spurs winning 4 of those and losing just 1.
It’s clear that his goal tally might seem a bit low given the high expectations around him. However, his contribution to the team is undeniable, just ask the boss, Ange Postecoglou.