Tottenham Hotspur‘s search for a reliable striker has lead them to buy Bournemouth‘s Dominic Solanke, and the excitement among fans and FPL managers alike is palpable.
Solanke, who finished 5th in the Premier League scoring charts last season, is priced at an attractive £7.5m, making him a potential gem in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL). His ability to step up a gear at Spurs could make him a crucial asset, especially if he builds on last season’s form.
Solanke’s numbers from the previous season speak volumes
With 19 goals and 22 goal involvements, he was Bournemouth’s main man, consistently delivering in key moments.
His expected goal involvements (xGI) were on par with players like Ollie Watkins, who is owned by nearly half of the FPL managers but costs £1.5m more.
Yet, Solanke remains relatively under the radar, with lower ownership compared to other forwards like Joao Pedro, Haaland, and Isak. Is this due to the abundance of forward options, or are FPL managers simply overlooking a potential bargain?
| Category | Statistics |
| Goals Scored | 19 |
| Goals Involvement | 22 |
| xG (per 90 minutes) | 0.48 |
| Shots Taken (per 90 minutes) | 2.07 |
| Assists | 3 |
| xA (per 90 minutes) | 0.08 |
| Key Passes (per 90 minutes) | 1.06 |
| Dribbles (per 90 minutes) | 2.67 |
Comparison with Richarlison
Richarlison‘s promising season with Spurs, boasting a 0.66 xGp90, was unfortunately marred by injuries, casting doubt on his reliability.
With Richarlison failing to make more than 30 starts in over three seasons, Solanke could be the perfect fit to fill the void.
Under Ange Postecoglou, Solanke’s chances of starting regularly seem high.
Postecoglou’s style doesn’t demand heavy pressing from his strikers, unlike managers like Ralf Rangnick. Instead, his tactics favor strikers who can poach goals inside the box.
A head-to-head comparison highlights Solanke’s superior output: 19 goals to Richarlison’s 11, and 38 shots on target compared to Richarlison’s 26.
These stats underscore Solanke’s sharpness and reliability, making him a strong contender to lead Tottenham’s attack.
Where Solanke could truly excel
Last season, 50% of his shots were on target, with many of his goals coming from inside the 6-yard box.
This mirrors the role Kyogo Furuhashi played under Ange Postecoglou at Celtic, where despite averaging just 14 touches per game, Furuhashi scored 31 goals.
Postecoglou’s system favours strikers who can maximise limited opportunities, focusing on precision over volume. Solanke’s sharp positioning, composure in tight spaces, and finishing ability make him an ideal fit for this style.
At Tottenham, he could replicate this efficiency, potentially leading to a high goal tally and strong FPL returns, especially if given consistent minutes in the starting lineup.
While Solanke might lose penalties to Son Heung-min, he could still take on some set-piece duties near the goal, adding to his appeal as an FPL asset.
His versatility and knack for being in the right place at the right time could see him racking up points, especially if he quickly adapts to Spurs’ attacking play.
Moreover, Spurs’ fixture list this season appears favorable. Their toughest games are evenly spread out rather than clustered, unlike last season.
Their opening fixtures against Leicester, Newcastle, Everton, and Arsenal offer a balanced mix of challenges, giving Solanke the opportunity to make an impact against both big and relatively smaller clubs.
This could be the perfect platform for him to shine early in the season, making him an enticing option for FPL managers.
Stats Sources: FootyStats, Understat