‘100% correct’: Troy Deeney now claims £40M striker would perform better than Solanke for Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur made a significant move this summer by signing Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth as a replacement for Harry Kane. However, Solanke’s start at Tottenham has been less than ideal. After failing to score in his debut and missing the last two games due to injury, questions have arisen about whether Spurs made the right decision. Some, like former footballer Troy Deeney, argue that Tottenham should have signed Ivan Toney instead. But is Toney truly the better option?
Dominic Solanke’s arrival at Tottenham was seen as a crucial step in filling the void left by Harry Kane’s departure. The £65 million striker came with high expectations following a productive season at Bournemouth, where he scored 19 goals. However, Solanke has struggled to make an immediate impact at Spurs, failing to score in his debut and missing subsequent games due to injury.
While Solanke’s performance hasn’t met the lofty expectations yet, it’s essential to remember that adjusting to a new team and system can take time. Tottenham’s new manager, Ange Postecoglou, has faith in Solanke’s ability to shine once he recovers fully and gets more time on the pitch.
Speaking on the Seaman Says Podcast, Troy Deeney voiced his opinion on Tottenham’s summer signing, claiming that Ivan Toney would have been a better fit for the club. According to Deeney, Toney has the natural goal-scoring instinct that Spurs need. He argued that Tottenham should have pursued Toney, who was available for £40 million, rather than splurging on Solanke.
Deeney’s argument hinges on Toney’s reputation as a mobile striker who can consistently find the back of the net. He believes that Toney would have been a more reliable scorer than Solanke, especially in Tottenham’s attacking system.
The debate over whether Ivan Toney would have been a better signing than Dominic Solanke is intriguing, but a closer look at the stats reveals a more complex picture.
While Deeney praises Toney’s scoring ability, his recent numbers don’t fully back up the claim. Last season, Toney scored just four goals in 17 appearances before being suspended. On the other hand, Solanke had a much better return with 19 goals in the 2022/23 season for Bournemouth. This puts Solanke ahead in terms of goal ratio.
| Player | 2022/23 Appearances | Goals Scored | Goal Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dominic Solanke | 42 | 19 | 0.45 goals/game |
| Ivan Toney | 17 | 4 | 0.23 goals/game |
Toney has proven his quality in the Premier League, even scoring 20 goals in a previous season. However, when comparing their performances over the past 12 months, Solanke comes out on top in terms of goal contributions.
Additionally, Toney’s move to the Saudi Pro League this summer means it will be difficult to directly compare the two strikers moving forward. Solanke will remain in the Premier League, playing at the top level, while Toney will earn a fortune in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing league.
Tottenham’s decision to sign Solanke was part of a larger strategy to rebuild their attack after Harry Kane’s departure. While some, like Troy Deeney, believe that Toney’s poaching abilities would have been a better fit for Spurs, the club saw potential in Solanke’s all-around game.
Solanke is more than just a goal-scorer. He brings a blend of strength, creativity, and link-up play that fits into Postecoglou’s system. His ability to hold up play, bring others into the attack, and press from the front makes him a versatile forward. Toney, while a prolific scorer, might not have provided the same level of versatility.
| Key Attributes | Dominic Solanke | Ivan Toney |
|---|---|---|
| Goal Scoring | Proven record, 19 goals in 2022/23 | 20 goals in 2021/22 |
| Hold-up Play | Strong and creative | Adept, but less involved in build-up |
| Link-up Play | Can bring teammates into the attack | More of a target man |
| Versatility | Can play across the front line | Primarily a central striker |
| Mobility | Good movement across the pitch | Strong in the box, but less mobile than Solanke |
Will Solanke Justify Tottenham’s Faith?
As the Premier League season progresses, all eyes will be on Dominic Solanke to see if he can deliver the goals that Tottenham desperately need. While his start has been slow due to injury, there’s reason to believe that once fit, he can become a key player for Spurs.
The comparisons with Ivan Toney will likely continue throughout the season, especially given Toney’s goal-scoring prowess. However, Solanke’s versatility and potential upside may prove that Tottenham made the right choice in the long run.
The debate between Solanke and Toney will persist, but both players offer different strengths. While Toney might have been a more immediate goal-scoring solution, Solanke’s broader skill set aligns with Ange Postecoglou’s tactical vision for Tottenham.
Only time will tell if Solanke can fulfill his potential and justify Tottenham’s £65 million investment. One thing is clear, though – his performances in the coming months will be crucial to Spurs’ success this season.