Dominic Solanke considered better than Richarlison and should start for Tottenham when fully fit
One of the biggest positives at the start of the Thomas Frank era at Tottenham Hotspur has been the form and fitness of Richarlison.
Having missed massive chunks of last season due to a series of injury problems, Richarlison was expected to be moved on during the summer transfer window. There were several clubs who showed an interest, but the Brazilian was reluctant to leave the club. Instead, the 28-year-old wanted to fight for his place and prove his worth to the new boss Thomas Frank, who has gone onto credit the club’s medical department for helping the player get back fit.
Richarlison has seemingly managed to do so, bagging a brace in the opening weekend win over newly-promoted Burnley before netting in the 2-2 draw at Brighton and Hove Albion last month. The centre-forward’s form has seen him receive a call-up to the Brazil national squad for the upcoming friendlies against South Korea and Japan.
Richarlison’s form at Tottenham questioned
However, questions regarding Richarlison’s productivity for Tottenham have started arising once again. The 28-year-old started from the bench in Spurs’ 2-1 win over Leeds United at Elland Road at the weekend, with Mathys Tel netting the opener for the visitors.
Meanwhile, club-record signing Dominic Solanke has barely played this season. He has been troubled with an ankle problem, and to mend the niggling issue, Solanke has undergone a minor surgery. The England international’s injury has come as a huge blow for Frank, with reputable Spurs podcast Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham confident that Solanke is a better fit in the new boss’ system and should start over Richarlison when fully fit.
“Solanke, it’s confirmed he had surgery, which is massively frustrating because Solanke took a lot of criticism last year,” John Wenham exclusively told Tottenham News.
“But for me, he was a significantly better starter, and he’s better than Richarlison. So, I would like Solanke to be back in the team as soon as possible.”
Solanke better than Richarlison
It goes without questioning that Solanke is a more rounded player than Richarlison and overall has a better fitness record. There is a reason why Tottenham broke their transfer record to sign the Englishman from Bournemouth in 2024, although he is yet to give full returns.
Solanke and Richarlison are different profile of strikers. While the former is technically strong and links play well, the latter is a grafter, presser and physical. Frank wants hard-working players and willing runners in his side, which basically makes Richarlison a better fit in his system than Solanke. Both offer different things when on the pitch, but Wenham feels Solanke should start over Richarlison when fully fit.
Ideally, the Danish tactician would want the duo to compete for the No.9 spot and make an impact when called off the bench.
