At 26 years old, Dominic Solanke is finally living up to his potential. Since his early days at Chelsea's academy and England's youth teams, his scoring touch has been undeniable, earning him a move to Liverpool at 19 and even a senior international debut before making a Premier League start. Now, he has emerged as one of the top goal scorers in the league, with only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah surpassing his goal tally. Solanke's performances have not only propelled Bournemouth up the table but have also caught the attention of potential suitors, including Arsenal and Newcastle.
Despite facing challenges and going through goal droughts, Solanke's hard work and determination have paid off. Even as recently as July, Bournemouth's head coach, Andoni Iraola, faced questions about signing a replacement for Solanke due to his goal-scoring struggles. However, Iraola believed that it would be difficult to find a better player than Solanke. His faith in the striker has been rewarded this season as Solanke has doubled his goal tally from the previous year and received a new contract in September.
Although Iraola downplays his role in Solanke's transformation, it is evident that the change in the team's style of play has played a significant part. Bournemouth now employs a quicker and more direct approach, allowing Solanke to thrive in a narrower role. While the team maintains possession, Solanke's involvement in their approach play has decreased, with fewer touches and passes. This change has helped maximize his goal-scoring threat as his percentage of touches in the opposition box has increased.
The statistics showcase Solanke's improved shooting abilities. He leads the Premier League in the number of shots taken this season, but it is worth noting that the quality of his shots has also improved. His shot map reveals a higher concentration of shots from more dangerous positions, particularly from inside the box, between the width of the goal posts. His confidence and maturity have contributed to his success this season, allowing him to maintain focus even in adversity.
Iraola praises Solanke's versatility as a striker, highlighting his ability to contribute to different playing styles. Solanke is comfortable attacking spaces on the counter and excels inside the box as a finisher. Under Iraola's guidance, Bournemouth has become a dangerous team in transition, and Solanke has played a vital role in their attacking approach. His speed, power, and intelligence in movement trouble opposing defenses, and he also acts as a focal point with his strength and stature.
Not only has Solanke exhibited his goal-scoring prowess, but his off-the-ball work and pressing ability are also noteworthy. Solanke's pressing style aligns perfectly with Iraola's emphasis on creating pressure. This season, he ranks among the top 10 players in the Premier League for pressures and high-intensity sprints. Despite registering fewer pressures overall, a deeper analysis reveals that Solanke's efforts are concentrated in the final third of the pitch, resulting in turnovers.
As Solanke's performances continue to impress, he has attracted interest from top clubs. However, Bournemouth is not likely to let go of their valuable asset easily, and his value continues to rise. While there is no rush for Solanke to make a move, it seems increasingly probable that his next step will bring him back to the top level of football.
In conclusion, Dominic Solanke has overcome challenges and setbacks to emerge as a prolific goal scorer for Bournemouth. His improvement this season can be attributed to a more direct style of play, a narrower role, and a focus on scoring goals. Solanke's versatility, athleticism, and pressing ability make him a sought-after player in the Premier League. As his value continues to climb, it appears that his future lies among the elite clubs of English football.
