Sebastien Bassong has highlighted a Tottenham player he believes is not getting the credit he deserves, pointing out his movement, technical ability, and the impact he has on the team.
Of course, Tottenham Hotspur’s season has been ravaged by injuries, with several key players spending time on the sidelines. Among them, Dominic Solanke’s absence has been significant, leaving a noticeable void in Ange Postecoglou’s attacking setup.
Indeed, there is good news for Spurs fans, as the striker has returned to first-team training and is in contention to feature when the Lilywhites take on AZ Alkmaar on Thursday evening.
In his absence, Tottenham have still found the back of the net, but the goals have come from various sources rather than a focal striker.
Sebastien Bassong’s praise for the underrated Dominic Solanke
Former Spurs defender Sebastien Bassong has now heaped praise on Solanke, believing he is a player whose contributions often go unnoticed.
Speaking on talkSport, Bassong said: “For me, I rate him. I rate the player. I would have loved to play with him, he’s a focal point and he can do a lot on and off the ball,
“He doesn’t get the credit he deserves for the space he creates for other players. He’s technically good, he can hold the ball up, and that is so important for a centre-forward. The runs he makes are different from Mathys Tel. That is why I think it has been difficult for Mathys—he comes with big energy, but it is a different level.”
Solanke’s Tottenham influence goes way beyond goals
The English forward has proven himself as a top-quality striker, particularly last season when he netted 19 goals for Bournemouth. However, this campaign he has not quite hit the same heights in terms of output.
Nevertheless, his impact goes beyond just scoring. His pressing, physicality, and ability to create space for teammates make him an invaluable asset to Postecoglou’s system.
| Competition | Matches Played | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 18 | 7 | 3 |
| Europa League | 6 | 2 | 2 |
| EFL Cup | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| FA Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 29 | 11 | 6 |
His presence also allows Spurs to go direct when needed, as his frame offers an outlet for long balls.
Tel has stepped up in his absence, but he is still developing, and having a player like Solanke to learn from could be crucial for his progression.
Spurs will be hoping that with Solanke’s return, their attacking unit finds even greater balance heading into a crucial run of fixtures.