Dominic Solanke, who moved from Bournemouth to Tottenham Hotspur in a $86 million deal, is being criticized for underperformance in three appearances for the club. He sustained an ankle injury in his debut game for the Spurs against Leicester City.
Jamie O’Hara, former player for Spurs and radio host, rebuked Solanke on talkSPORT. He said the 27-year-old was off after 60 minutes. O’Hara put the spotlight on the £60 million price tag, saying that Solanke has to show his worth. The sports analyst said if a player is on the football pitch for 60 minutes and doesn’t have a shot, they have to do more than just run around.
O’Hara added that he would be demanding the ball anywhere and take a shot from just anywhere. He pointed out that Solanke is a striker and didn’t take any shots.
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Tottenham Boss Defends Dominic Solanke
However, Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou doesn’t agree with critics. He called out people for being so quick to judge. Postecoglou said Solanke has just played less than two full games for the Spurs. He pointed out that he would readily answer if their new player went 15 games without a goal or 15 games where he hasn’t contributed.
Postecoglou said there’s no need to rush and make judgments. The Spurs boss pointed out that he just looks at these crucial things – that Solanke, 27, has come in, fitted well, and sustained an injury that has impacted the way he wanted to start his career. He shared that he wanted Solanke and it took Spurs the whole summer to get him because he fitted the profile that the club was after.
Postecoglou said the footballer has settled in well, and there’s more to come from him. Solanke just needs to get some games and time. Not judgment.