Micah Richards has hailed Tottenham’s capture of Dominic Solanke but the pundit suggested that the striker has to prove he is capable of dealing with the pressure that comes with playing for a bigger club.
Tottenham sign Dominic Solanke
Solanke’s move to Spurs has seemingly split opinion in the footballing world, with some feeling that the Lilywhites have considerably overpaid for a striker who has had just one really good season while others see the signing as a real coup for the North London side.
Ange Postecoglou has left it in no doubt that the 26-year-old was his top striker target, insisting that he should fit in well into his system at Tottenham (Football.London).
While the Australian also dismissed suggestions that Solanke is a replacement for Harry Kane, comparisons with the England captain will be inevitable and the former Cherries man will be expected to hit the ground running at N17.
Solanke will have to adapt at Tottenham
Richards believes that the England international is a good fit for Spurs but questioned if he will be able to cope with being a small fish in a big pond, with the team no longer built around him.
The former Manchester City star told The Rest Is Football podcast about Solanke: “He has got good movement, hasn’t he? The only thing I will say, not to be negative, but the Bournemouth team was built around him.
“Whereas he will definitely give them a better option, and going to a bigger club there is sometimes a bit more pressure. I think it’s a very good signing. I think £65 million is a lot of money but he adds something different to what they have.”
Spurs Web Opinion
The one thing that might help Solanke cope with the pressure is the fact that he is used to the environment and expectations of a big club, having come through the ranks and Chelsea and having played for Liverpool.
While he was not the main man at those sides, he is now a lot older and understands his game much better. He should enjoy leading the line for Tottenham, given the number of chances we create.