‘What Spurs need’: Glenn Hoddle says the very best is yet to come from £90k/week Tottenham player
Tottenham Hotspur made a powerful return to Premier League action with a 4-1 victory over West Ham United in Saturday’s early kick-off.
Despite conceding the first goal, Spurs demonstrated their resilience and determination, turning the game around to secure a convincing win. Mohammed Kudus gave the Hammers an early lead in the 16th minute, but Dejan Kulusevski responded for Tottenham before halftime.
The second half saw Tottenham shift into high gear, with goals from Yves Bissouma and Son Heung-min, as well as an own goal from West Ham’s goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, sealing the victory.
Kudus, who was arguably West Ham’s most influential player for most of the match, found himself at the center of attention once again late in the game when he received a straight red card for a rash challenge that floored three Tottenham players. This incident added to West Ham’s frustrations as they struggled to contain Tottenham’s relentless pressure.
One of the key talking points from the game was the performance of Dominic Solanke. Although he didn’t score, Solanke made a significant impact with his tireless work rate, intelligent link-up play, and pressing. He demonstrated why Tottenham brought him into the squad, showing a glimpse of the quality he can bring to Ange Postecoglou’s side.
Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle shared his thoughts on Solanke’s performance after the match, speaking to TNT Sports. Hoddle believes that Solanke has the potential to become a crucial player for Tottenham, particularly in the role of a “fox in the box.”
According to Hoddle, Solanke may take a little time to fully adapt to Tottenham’s style of play, but once he settles, he could become a reliable goal scorer, particularly when it comes to converting chances inside the six-yard box.
Hoddle emphasized that Solanke’s persistence will pay off, and his ability to create opportunities for himself will become more apparent as he grows into his role.
Hoddle’s comments reflect a sentiment of patience. He recognizes that Tottenham needs a striker who can consistently find the back of the net in key areas, and he believes Solanke can fill that void in time.
While he hasn’t quite reached his peak in a Tottenham shirt yet, Hoddle is confident that Solanke will thrive once he becomes more accustomed to the team’s dynamics.
In terms of how Solanke’s performance was rated by the media, he received praise from various outlets for his contribution to the match.
Football.london awarded him an 8 out of 10 rating, noting that while he didn’t score, he played an instrumental role in Tottenham’s equalizer by disrupting Tomas Soucek’s attempt to win possession, which allowed Kulusevski to score.
They also highlighted Solanke’s strength, determination, and quality on the ball, particularly during the second half, where his persistent play created opportunities for his teammates.
The Evening Standard rated Solanke’s performance at 7 out of 10, commending his tireless effort and intelligent movement. Despite not getting on the scoresheet, he consistently made dangerous runs into the final third, helping to stretch West Ham’s defense. Solanke’s ability to contribute to the team’s attack without scoring was noted as a positive aspect of his performance, showing his versatility as a forward.
Goal.com, however, gave Solanke a more modest score of 6 out of 10, stating that while he was unlucky not to have scored, his pressing and work rate throughout the game made him a perfect fit for Postecoglou’s system.
They noted that Solanke’s contributions went beyond goal-scoring, with his ability to harass defenders and create space for his teammates being key to Tottenham’s overall performance.
While Solanke may not have found the back of the net against West Ham, his performance demonstrated why Tottenham invested in him. His ability to link up play, press high, and create opportunities for others makes him a valuable asset in Postecoglou’s system. As Glenn Hoddle mentioned, patience will be key with Solanke, but all signs point to him becoming a significant player for Tottenham in the future.
Tottenham’s victory over West Ham also highlighted the importance of their attacking depth. With goals coming from a variety of players, including Yves Bissouma and Son Heung-min, as well as an own goal, it’s clear that Spurs have multiple avenues through which they can threaten opponents. This attacking flexibility will be crucial as they look to maintain their form in both the Premier League and other competitions.
In conclusion, Tottenham’s 4-1 win over West Ham was a statement of intent, demonstrating their ability to respond to setbacks and dominate opponents. With players like Solanke beginning to show their potential and key figures like Kulusevski and Son in form, Spurs look poised to continue their upward trajectory this season. Solanke’s development will be one to watch, as his contributions in both attack and defense make him an exciting prospect for Tottenham going forward.
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