Tottenham Hotspur fans have weighed in on who they believe deserves the number nine role when Thomas Frank has a fully fit squad.
Tottenham Hotspur started the season brightly under their new boss Thomas Frank, securing three wins from their opening four league matches and looking like a side that had quickly adapted to the Dane’s system.
However, the momentum has dipped in recent weeks, with the Lilywhites taking only two points from their last two league fixtures and just five from their last four overall.
While Spurs have remained defensively resilient, conceding only four goals all season, the problem lies at the other end of the pitch, where they have struggled to consistently find the net and create the kind of threat needed to win games at the top level.
Tottenham fans name Dominic Solanke as preferred striker option
With Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani sidelined, it has been Richarlison and Mathys Tel who have taken up the responsibility of leading the line for Tottenham in recent weeks.
Richarlison has notched three league goals, but doubts remain among supporters regarding his suitability as the main striker in Frank’s system.
Tottenham fans have not held back in expressing their opinions, with many naming their ideal number nine when all options are available.
One fan, speaking on social media, wrote: “Dominic Solanke edges it as the starting No. 9 when all are fit. Why? He is the most proven goal threat in a Spurs shirt, with elite movement that exploits Frank’s quick transitions, think linking with Simons or Kudus without dropping deep like Richarlison often does.”
Others were just as direct in their assessments. “Not Richie, he does not work as a lone striker, works as part of a front two though. Not Tel, although I think he has looked better when playing on the left. I do not know enough about Kolo yet. Currently it has got to be big Dom,”
Another Tottenham fan commented. A third supporter added: “Solanke for me. He is the best out of the bunch and his pressing is better than the others. He needs service though. He did not receive any last season and so far this season it has been a problem. Excited to see more of Kolo Muani though.”
The debate did not stop there, with further suggestions from fans for Kolo Muani if he is fully fit, while another simply stated: “Solanke is the front runner but if we can get, and keep Muani fit, then it could potentially be him. For me though Tel needs to be third choice with Richarlison the fourth choice.”
A final Tottenham supporter was even more blunt: “Muani. For me, I have seen enough of the other three to be willing to give Muani a run in the side, even if he does not score right away. Solanke is the next best option but I feel Muani has played at a higher level. I do not want to see Richy or Tel in a Spurs shirt ever again.”
Spurs attacking stats raise further concerns
Despite scoring goals this season, the underlying numbers suggest Tottenham’s attack is not functioning as it should.
Spurs currently sit 13th in the Premier League for big chances created and 11th for expected goals, with a total of seven so far, yet they rank third overall for most goals scored.
That statistic is both impressive and concerning in equal measure, as it highlights that Tottenham are currently overperforming in front of goal, and without a significant improvement in creating clearer opportunities, it is only a matter of time before the conversion rate begins to drop and the goals dry up.
A major issue could be the absence of a true creative spark in the number ten role. Moving Xavi Simons into that central role could provide the vision and link-up play that would raise the attacking output across the frontline, giving the forwards the service they need to flourish.