Player Watch Player Watch: Dominic Solanke

[KirstyG]

Because there is a limited amount of good strikers out there, that a lot of clubs are wanting. The clubs with the good strikers don't want to sell also by the seems of it.

Most clubs are still looking for players also.

Although we keep getting told and linked with two key players in Neto and Eze who would make a difference to our squad.

 

[gavspur]

I quite like the idea of Solanke. It’s about time we had a big lad up front who can batter CB’s all game, and maybe even score a header by out jumping people. Another string etc

 

[Yid-ol]

Although we keep getting told and linked with two key players in Neto and Eze who would make a difference to our squad.

Being linked by press and itk isn't the same as being in for them or the manager wanting them as main targets.

I agree Eze and Neto would be great signings, but for Eze his release clause is the issue, and Neto I would guess injury record might have had him not first pick?

Imagine all the players Chelsea have signed if all the rumors and links were true, or man u also! Everything with a pinch of salt

 

[RuskyM]

I can accept a lot of things but I will not have us spending millions on a fucking nerd

 

[Yid-ol]

I quite like the idea of Solanke. It’s about time we had a big lad up front who can batter CB’s all game, and maybe even score a header by out jumping people. Another string etc

Only way I would be ok with him is if we keep Richalison also, and can rotate between both (or injuries). Also not at the price quoted

Not who I want, but would back who ever the club brings in.

 

[thehipster]

One season isn't proven in the prem for me. Lots of players have one great season where everything clicks and then fall back into the pack.

I don’t buy this one season/two season/three season thing as a solid barometer of potential.
Look at other sports. English cricket have brought in the likes of Brook, Smith, Bashir, Atkinson etc.
If you dived into their stats prior to being captained by Stokes and managed by McCullum, you’d be pulling your hair out trying to work out why they were promoted to international level so quickly.
But Ben and Brendon saw something in each of these characters that they realised, given an opportunity, they could excel quickly.
I‘m much more intrigued by what Ange sees in these players rather than statisticians on here, or people determining a player‘s capabilities based on a season or two with another manager….in another system.

There’s so much more to it all. Human psychology isn’t a tick-box thing.
People, in the right environment, are capable of extraordinary things.

 

[panoma]

Dont believe for a second that Ange would take David over Solanke, and if we end up with David and neither Eze/neto it would be an epic failure.

Would take any optimism out of the season before it really started.

I never for a second believed we would buy 2 players in the Eze/Neto/Doue bracket, but I'm hoping for one.

 

[Jospur]

I have to admit I've seen him a number of times but that was when he was playing in the Championship mainly. I'd prefer him to Solanke purely on style of play but think he's still overpriced. I wouldn't be keen spending massive money on him either. We have a squad to build and as I keep saying I don't want senior players coming in on big contracts unless they are proven, and one season doing very well in the big leagues is not enough imo.

We are talking circa 60mil euro's for each each of them, and I am convinced by neither. If you want to know where I'm putting my money instead, because it seems you are trying to set me up considering their numbers and career paths. It would be trying to get Vlahovic out of Juve. Been a 1 in 2 striker for 5 years in Serie A and is 2 years younger. I know he's had injuries but I don't think they are a concern now to be honest.

Fed up with hearing we’re interested in players such as Solanke, David and Toney. All not-quite good enough players. Second-raters really when it comes to a Club that should be striving for real success. Glad to see @Trix mention Vlahovic. This is the sort of quality we should be targeting. Hope that’s where we’re headed - but we’ll soon see what sort of ambition this club has for the immediate future. Let’s hope it’s quality rather than settling for a quick fix that will need to be moved on next year or year-after.

 

[Guntz]

 

[nicdic]

Fed up with hearing we’re interested in players such as Solanke, David and Toney. All not-quite good enough players. Second-raters really when it comes to a Club that should be striving for real success. Glad to see @Trix mention Vlahovic. This is the sort of quality we should be targeting. Hope that’s where we’re headed - but we’ll soon see what sort of ambition this club has for the immediate future. Let’s hope it’s quality rather than settling for a quick fix that will need to be moved on next year or year-after.

Trix said he'd like us to be after someone like him, not that we are after him though.

Who else is in that bracket that's gettable? Because it doesn't seem like there are many "top level" strikers around.

 

[Aleks]

I kinda want him, seems like a decent lad

 

[fishhhandaricecake]

I totally get that we need Son LW and I agree that RW should be a priority because as much as I like Johnson we need another type of winger. I’m just not sure David is good enough in any area to put the chances away!

Fair enough mate. I think he could be tbh but I’ve only seen bits of him so can’t say categorically and any signing is always a risk anyways I just think for our budget if we are going big on a winger but also want to add a striker then we won’t get much better at this price imo.

 

[PCozzie]

Ah the long game is finally paying off. You genius Levy.

 

[Jospur]

I agree that there doesn’t appear to be too much that’s gettable now. So wait a bit until there is. I liked Zirkzee but he’s gone to Man Utd and Sesko looks like he’s staying where he is. Vlahovic might be available. Cash talks. Hope we explore that option. But why bring in someone like we did with Solomon when this year we’re trying to offload him? Agents win in that scenario - and the club is likely to lose.

Hope Paratici is still with us as his talent-evaluation skills are just what we need now.

 

[fishhhandaricecake]

Given Watkins is only 1yr older than Solanke let’s compare a bit:

Watkins:
2020-2024 14,11,15,19 goals in approx 37 games each season
2019 championship 26 in 49

Solanke:
2023 19 in 39 (prem)
2022 6 in 33 (prem)

2021 29 in 46 (championship)
2020 15 in 47 (championship)

So at 1yr younger and in a lesser team, Solanke outscored Watkins in the Championship in their best seasons and in the PL they scored the same goals last season.

Yes sure Watkins has scored more consistently in the PL but he’s also a little bit older.

Obviously Watkins is a better player from the eye test but if goals is name of the game Solanke ain’t a bad shout.

However for the money talked about I think it’s way overpriced and would far sooner sign Neto & Eze and stick sonny back up top.

 

[N'Obody]

I like Solanke personally, he has all the tools to fit Ange system perfectly. Yes he's not a fancy name or world class but in the right system he can be lethal.

Also don't want us spending 65mil on him. If we can get it done for 30-40mil and send some of our fringe players to them, why not?

 

[npearl4spurs]

The funny thing, in kind of a sick ironic way, is Solanke and Richarlison seem nearly identical as players. If we didn’t have Richarlison, and I was only looking at their performances from last season needing to pick between the two, I’d probably say Solanke shades it for me based on his slightly better hold up play, dribbling, and passing. But it only seems like a 2% improvement. Unless Richarlison has a season ender or is for sure off to Saudi Arabia, I’m not sure why you would spend all this money to have a near replica when there are other additions to the squad that would improve us more? I would never replace Richarlison for Solanke for the hell of it though especially with what I appreciate about Richy’s heart and character, just not enough upside

 

[nicdic]

The funny thing, in kind of a sick ironic way, is Solanke and Richarlison seem nearly identical as players. If we didn’t have Richarlison, and I was only looking at their performances from last season needing to pick between the two, I’d probably say Solanke shades it for me based on his slightly better hold up play, dribbling, and passing. But it only seems like a 2% improvement. Unless Richarlison has a season ender or is for sure off to Saudi Arabia, I’m not sure why you would spend all this money to have a near replica when there are other additions to the squad that would improve us more? I would never replace Richarlison for Solanke for the hell of it though especially with what I appreciate about Richy’s heart and character, just not enough upside

Think the issue is that we have one first team, out-and-out number 9. Another means that if Richy is out, there is another to come in, that doesn't need Sonny coming in off the week to play through the middle. We shouldn't be thinking about selling Richarlison at all this summer. But Solanke now, and then letting Richy go to Saudi next year and upgrading when options may be better could be sensible.

 

[jolsnogross]

Personally I'd rather just not bother getting a CF this year if Solanke is the best we can target.

This time next year, rodders, we'll be millionaires.

We need strikers in this team. If he's the best available, I'd rather we entered the season trying to win with him rather than looking to some magic season in 26-27 or beyond.

 

[Led Revolver]

I have to admit I've seen him a number of times but that was when he was playing in the Championship mainly. I'd prefer him to Solanke purely on style of play but think he's still overpriced. I wouldn't be keen spending massive money on him either. We have a squad to build and as I keep saying I don't want senior players coming in on big contracts unless they are proven, and one season doing very well in the big leagues is not enough imo.

We are talking circa 60mil euro's for each each of them, and I am convinced by neither. If you want to know where I'm putting my money instead, because it seems you are trying to set me up considering their numbers and career paths. It would be trying to get Vlahovic out of Juve. Been a 1 in 2 striker for 5 years in Serie A and is 2 years younger. I know he's had injuries but I don't think they are a concern now to be honest.

Just watched a video of Vlahovic’s goals and assists season just gone. Bloody Hell @Trix , you’ve given me false hope there! Surely he’s out of our reach these days, unless Juventus are desperate for money? I can see him ending up at the scum at some point, which would be horrible!