Ange Postecoglou explains how Dominic Solanke differs to the likes of Hugo Ekitike
Ange Postecoglou says Dominic Solanke does not get the appreciation he deserves, pointing out that the Tottenham man offers a lot more than most top strikers, including Hugo Ekitike, who the Lilywhites came up against in the Europa League quarterfinal.
Solanke has had a strange first season at Tottenham Hotspur, which has been interrupted by a major injury, but the striker has led the line excellently whenever he has featured.
Given the huge fee that Spurs paid for him last summer, the general consensus in the media appears to be that he has not lived up to expectations, which is perhaps down to the fact that he has only scored seven Premier League goals this season.
However, talk to any Tottenham fan and they will certainly appreciate what the 27-year-old does for the team, with the Lilywhites appearing a different side with him leading the line due to his tireless pressing.
Ange Postecoglou explains why Dominic Solanke is unique
Postecoglou has now lavished praise on the former Bournemouth man’s contribution, pointing out that the centre-forward does not receive the plaudits he deserves for his defensive contribution.
The Australian drew a comparison between Solanke and Eintracht’s number nine, Hugo Ekitike, pointing out that the Frenchman is not burdened with the kind of work off the ball that the Spurs forward is.
Postecoglou told Football.London: “I know Dom is a striker and when they don’t score people will focus on that but he’s such an important part of the way we play. Our back four/five were outstanding but our front three were so disciplined also in their defensive work on Thursday.
“Dom and the two wingers had important jobs for us from a defensive point of view. You ask them to do such a massive physical load and then they still have to produce when the ball gets up to them in an attacking sense. And maybe in other teams… if you look at Frankfurt, they don’t ask that of [Hugo] Ekitike. When he gets the ball, he feels fresh and he can run at people.
“Dom usually receives the ball when he’s done four or five sprints, closing people down, so you factor that into it, but we feel as a team that gives us a better chance of success. I was delighted for him.”
Postecoglou impressed by Solanke’s composure
The England international scored the all-important goal from the penalty spot at Deutsche Bank Park, which proved the difference between the two sides.
Even though Tottenham’s entire season was riding on the spot kick, Solanke remained ice cold and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, with Postecoglou impressed by the calmness he showed.
The Spurs boss added: “He took his penalty really well. Don’t underestimate the pressure he was under in that moment, taking a penalty away in Europe, knowing how significant it is, right in front of the most vocal part of their fanbase.
“It shows the measure of the guy. He didn’t miss a beat. Important goal for us, important player for us, and we missed him when he was out, and when he was out Richy was out and that was a big hole in our team.”
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