Harry Redknapp offers verdict on whether Solanke can replace Kane
Former Tottenham Hotspur manager, Harry Redknapp, is full of praise for Dominic Solanke. He has now had his say on whether the striker can be the Harry Kane replacement the Spurs supporters have been hoping for.
The void left by Harry Kane
It has been over a year now since Kane left Spurs to join Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, leaving a huge gap in the team. Kane is the club’s all-time leading goal scorer and he formed such a strong bond with Heung-Min-Son. Most people will agree that it was one of the greatest strike partnerships the country has ever seen.
Many were hopeful Richarlison would fill the void up front, but his injury struggles have lessened his impact at Spurs, with Son starting most matches as Tottenham’s number nine last season.
While the club captain scored plenty of goals, there was a general consensus that Spurs needed an out-and-out striker, and Solanke is looking to be that man.
The 27-year-old has not had an easy start to life at Spurs, with his goal contributions at a modest figure, while he faced heavy criticism as early as his first competitive match for the club against Leicester City. And some supporters were even calling for him to be substituted after his first-half performance against West Ham on Saturday.
But Solanke has stayed focused on doing his best for Tottenham, and has impressed with his hold-up play, energetic pressing and his ability to get other players more involved in the game.
Redknapp’s assessment of Solanke
While Redknapp accepts Solanke has come a long way, there is still a gap in quality between him and Harry Kane.
And the former Tottenham manager does not believe Solanke will ever be as good as the Bayern frontman. Although he rates Tottenham’s £65m summer signing, there can be no comparison between him and Tottenham’s greatest striker.
Speaking to talkSPORT (22/10 at 9:23 am), Redknapp said: “Well, I think he is a good player. I liked him at Bournemouth. He improved and his movement was good and he scored the goals there last year, it was his best year.
“But Harry Kane is a level apart from anybody. He is fantastic. What an all-round player he is, you know.”
Solanke can do a job for Tottenham
The sooner people stop making comparisons between Spurs players and Kane, the better. Solanke may not be able to directly replace Kane, but he is a useful forward to have.
As well as his individual qualities, which were evident when he played for Bournemouth, Solanke allows Son to play on the left wing, and his link-up play is making Tottenham stronger in attack.
Although he only has two goals and one assist for Tottenham, Solanke has goal contributions in three of his last four matches, and he looked lively against West Ham (Transfer Markt). As his confidence builds and he becomes more familiar with his teammates, he will only continue to be a better player.
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