DOMINIC SOLANKE (£4m) is experiencing a massive popularity surge in the world of Dream Team following his transfer to Tottenham.
The 26-year-old was already a decent option but his switch from Bournemouth to Spurs has improved his viability significantly.
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Solanke scored 21 goals in all competitions for the Cherries last season at a rate of one every 169 minutes.
Only Erling Haaland (£7m), Cole Palmer (£6m) and Alexander Isak (£5m) scored more Premier League goals in 2023/24.
Having previously existed in the limbo reserved for strikers who are prolific in the Championship but not cut out for the top flight, Solanke firmly established himself as one of the most effective front men on these shores under Andoni Iraola’s guidance.
Bournemouth performed above expectations last time out but few would doubt that Spurs are a level above – Ange Postecoglou’s side finished seven places higher in the league, 18 points better off.
More importantly, Spurs scored 20 more league goals, an indication of the increased service Solanke can hope to receive at his new club.
A higher volume of chances is just one aspect of what now makes the England one-cap wonder such an appealing asset.
Come Gameweek 5, Spurs will have Europa League fixtures to bolster their schedule, giving them at least six double Gameweeks between late September and early December.
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Solanke racked up plenty of points in the Premier League last season but a lack of additional midweek fixtures meant he ranked 11th among strikers when all was said done, despite the fact he averaged an impressive 5.8 points-per-game.
European outings could do wonders for his overall returns.
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It’s no wonder Solanke’s ownership has rocketed to 13.7%, making him the fifth-most popular player in his position with four days until the new campaign gets underway.
Needless to say, these gaffers are working under the assumption he will be instantly installed as Spurs’ starting striker, which remains to be seen but given Dejan Kulusevski (£3m) has been leading the line in pre-season, it’s a reasonable prediction.
Lastly, Solanke’s starting price of £4m has to be considered generous now he’s officially switched allegiance.
The other forwards in his price range – Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson and Ivan Toney – mostly fall into the category of: talented but with caveats (injury prone, poor last season, etc).
It wouldn’t be a surprise if Solanke gained even more popularity leading up to Gameweek 1, especially with Spurs due to take on newly-promoted Leicester in their opening fixture.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
