Liverpool Fans Should Be Wary Of The Early Excitement Over Dominic Solanke

Saturday 12th August 2017

Liverpool's transfer business has come under scrutiny this summer, with many supporters expecting more outlay than has so far materialised. Mohammed Salah is the only big money signing, although he could still be joined by centre-back Virgil van Dijk from Southampton.

Andrew Robertson has arrived for a respectable figure, whilst Dominic Solanke has also been added after his contract expired at Chelsea. The Blues are expected to receive a fee for the striker which will be decided by a tribunal.

It should be noted that it was Solanke’s choice to leave Stamford Bridge and that Antonio Conte still wanted him. “I think for a young player to stay in a great team like Chelsea is a great opportunity. You have to respect his decision,” said the Italian coach in February.

Solanke chose not to sign a new contract and Liverpool took advantage of the situation. The true reason behind the youngster’s decision to move to Merseyside hasn’t been discovered, although it’s likely to centre around the opportunity for more playing time.

At the start of this season, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohammed Salah are expected to be Liverpool’s first choice front three, with Philippe Coutinho in a deeper role whilst Adam Lallana is injured. Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, Danny Ings and now Solanke will provide depth and different attributes.

Klopp is likely to opt for a more traditional No.9 as the campaign progresses after showing signs in the friendlies that he will look for a focal point in some matches. The coach worked wonders for Robert Lewandowski and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang when at Borussia Dortmund.

Sturridge remains the best equipped to fulfil this task on regular basis, but his injury and fitness concerns have yet to be fully addressed. Solanke is well-placed to make a significant impact in both the immediate and long-term future.

The forward could certainly start every week for a Championship side had he moved on-loan, but for now Klopp will want to work with him and harness his ability. Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp told Sky Sports that he thinks “he can be a real star for them.”

Solanke has made an early impression on those that have seen him in pre-season, where he has scored three goals and fascinated with his all-round performances. The 19-year-old is strong, quick and can finish, whilst he looks a valuable option to Liverpool's frontline.

However, there should be caution in placing to much expectation upon him given he has made just 25 first team appearances for Vitesse Arnham and he has only played friendlies for the Reds. Many strikers have scored goals in their opening few matches, but struggled to continue the frequency.

The most obvious of these was Andriy Voronin, who also impressed in pre-season 10 years ago. He scored against Toulouse, Sunderland, and Derby County in his first two months of competitive matches at Liverpool.

Voronin added another against Tottenham Hotspur in the October, but then the Ukrainian only found the net twice more in the remainder of the season and left in 2010 without scoring again for The Reds. That’s not to say that Solanke will struggle in the same manner, but it’s a timely reminder that there should be patience for him to reach his potential.

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