Tottenham’s latest recruit Dominic Solanke enjoyed a remarkable 2023/24 campaign with Bournemouth – netting 19 Premier League goals.
This goal-scoring form convinced Spurs to shell out around £65 million to sign the striker as they looked to finally replace Harry Kane.
Last season, Richarlison and Heung-min Son were the two players who played up top for Ange Postecoglou, although it quickly became apparent a new option was needed.
Tottenham have now managed to secure the services of one of last year’s best Premier League attackers and they will be hoping he can have an instant impact.
Ahead of their curtain opener at the King Power Stadium, Postecoglou has given Spurs fans hope of seeing their new club-record signing from the start.
Ange Postecoglou backs Dominic Solanke to become an instant Spurs starter
Postecoglou revealed that Solanke is ready to start for Tottenham having only just signed for the North London club on August 10.
Spurs play their first game on August 19 away at Leicester City and the striker is expected to be named in the starting 11.
When asked about whether Solanke would be able to start straight away, Postecoglou told Spurs Official on YouTube: “Pretty much what we expected, he’s a really good player, he’s a good guy.
“From a football perspective, he’ll fit really well into what we’re trying to do. He’s got a bit of size about him but he moves around the pitch really well, good in the box and good outside the box.
“We’ve got to give him some time, obviously the way we play and train is a little bit different – we’ve seen that with every new player that comes in.
“But I had no doubt that the adjustment period for him wouldn’t take too long and he’s looking good.”
The Australian coach’s comments suggest we can expect to see the 26-year-old lining up with his new teammates against Leicester.
How Tottenham could line up versus Leicester
Solanke could be joined in attack by Heung-min Son and Dejan Kulusevski either side of him in a potentially potent Tottenham attack.
Son will no doubt fill the left-wing spot, although for Kulusevski there remains some discussion as to his best position.
During pre-season, the Swede featured mostly in a central role, although with Solanke now at the club and no first-team right winger signed, he can expect to start on the right.
Destiny Udogie could make his first start since mid-April with the defender having only just returned from a hamstring injury.
The biggest area up for debate will be the midfield with Postecoglou likely to select his most experienced stars.
James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr are expected to be the trio selected with Yves Bissouma suspended for the clash.
(4-3-3): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Maddison, Sarr; Kulusevski, Solanke, Son
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