Roberto De Zerbi says 'not many better' than Tottenham's Dominic Solanke

Dominic Solanke divides opinion among Tottenham Hotspur fans.

The Englishman arrived back in 2024 after a promising season with Bournemouth in which he netted 19 Premier League goals.

Things have not quite gone as well for the 28-year-old since his move to N17, although injuries have played a part.

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Since his transfer, Solanke has netted just 12 league goals over the last two campaigns combined.

Now, Roberto De Zerbi has heaped significant praise and pressure on Solanke ahead of next season.

And there will certainly be concerns over whether his comments have any merit.

Why Roberto De Zerbi has heaped praise on Dominic Solanke

The Premier League season is not far away now, and De Zerbi will have to choose between Richarlison or Solanke to lead the line in the opening game.

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However, it seems based on his latest interview, he has already made his choice.

Speaking to Football London, De Zerbi has made quite the claim on Solanke's qualities ahead of the upcoming season.

The Italian believes the striker is one of the best in the Premier League, with "not many better."

Tottenham's manager believes he can be a difference maker in the right enviroment, stating: "I think he changes the quality of performances depending on the confidence he feels."

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While he also went further in depth over what Solanke provides his side: "I like him as a player, he's complete as a striker. He can attack the space, he can cover the ball, he's able with the ball to link, he's able to score 15-20 goals in Premier League."

It is a bold claim, especially considering that Solanke has only hit double figures in England's top-flight once.

But what do the underlying numbers of his Tottenham spell say?

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It does have to be taken into account that Solanke has not exactly come into the most stable side in England.

Under Ange Postecoglou, the Lilywhites faced an injury crisis, falling down the league before ultimately focusing on Europe.

Then, under Thomas Frank, Igor Tudor and De Zerbi, Solanke was hit with multiple injury issues.

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Due to that, he played just 15 times in the Premier League last season.

However, there are still some positive underlying numbers for Solanke.

According to Data.MB, among all strikers per 90 in the Premier League last season, he placed third for both shot-on-target percentage (58.82 per cent) and passing accuracy (78.85 per cent).

Those passing numbers would back-up De Zerbi's claims on how he is able to link play.

Additionally, he also has strong defensive numbers which point to an effective pressing striker.

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He placed sixth for interceptions per 90 (2.23) while coming in seventh for possessions won (4.23).

So, there is clearly a player that can be useful and with his ability to get most of his shots on target, with more chances could see more goals arrive.

And ultimately that is what strikers are judged on.

So, De Zerbi's claim that there are "not many better" simply cannot be backed up until he starts hitting the back of the net more.

With the Italian laying down the gauntlet that he can hit 15 to 20 Premier League goals, he finally must show why he is the man to lead Tottenham's attack.

The pressure will certainly be on Solanke now.

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