Why Dominic Solanke’s career has been a big shock for Gareth Southgate

Add as preferred source on Google

He may be Tottenham Hotspur’s main man when he’s fit and firing, but Dominic Solanke was always touted for big things by Gareth Southgate.

In a long and winding career, Solanke appears to have finally found a home at a Big Six club with Tottenham; a place he can make an impact and get regular minutes.

However, the main issue for Solanke right now is his fitness, with just 31 minutes of action so far this season. In fact, Spurs have struggled in front of goal without him, and fans can’t wait for him to return.

Over the years, we’ve seen Solanke struggle to break through at the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool before landing on his feet at Bournemouth. With all those years of trying to make his mark, it may be that Solanke feels he hit his stride a little later than he would have hoped.

• READ MORE: Tottenham have Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Bergvall and Djed Spence concerns ahead of Copenhagen clash

Gareth Southgate expected more from Dominic Solanke

In the latest episode of The Sports Agent podcast, former England manager Gareth Southgate discussed the progress Solanke has made in his career, and suggested he failed to fulfill his potential for many years after shining for the England youth teams.

Southgate said: “I remember in our junior international teams, Solanke as a youngster, he was one of the best in Europe without a doubt, along with Tammy Abraham at that time. But then players need the chance to go and play. So talent needs the chance to play.

“And in some of their formative years, they were at big clubs where they didn’t get the chance to play and develop and mature. And so Dominic then ended up going to Bournemouth and he’s now at Spurs. And that’s been a longer route than we might have thought when he was younger.”

Solanke was a regular for England in the early stages of his career, representing the Three Lions from the Under-16s through to the Under-21s.

He helped England win the Under-17 European Championships in 2014, where he also won the Golden Boot with four goals. Solanke was also part of the England Under-20s World Cup winning squad three years later.

However, he’s never been able to pin down a spot in the senior squad and recent injuries won’t be helping his cause.

• READ MORE: What England and Thomas Tuchel think about Danny Welbeck call-up amid strong Premier League form

Spurs are seriously missing Dominic Solanke

Tottenham’s ever-growing injury list has some huge names on there, including the likes of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski. But, it is arguably Solanke whom Spurs are missing the most.

With Richarlison struggling up top and Randal Kolo Muani still finding fitness, the Lilywhites are desperately crying out for a genuine focal point in attack.

Solanke bagged 16 goals in all competitions last season. Any team would miss that kind of output, but it’s the fact he also contributed eight assists that paints a better picture as to why Tottenham are crying out for Solanke right now.

Thomas Frank’s team are lacking that connective tissue between the midfielders and forwards, something Solanke provides in abundance. He’s not only great at finding the net himself, but he’s superb at holding up the ball, bringing his teammates into play, and applying pressure from the front.

When he returns, Spurs will become a better team, that’s for sure.