Dominic Solanke repays his backers’ loyalty with 21-point splurge – time for doubters to backtrack?

DOMINIC SOLANKE (£4m) was the weekend’s biggest winner from a Dream Team perspective.

The Tottenham striker scored two goals in the space of four minutes on his way to a massive 21-point haul against Aston Villa on Sunday.

Dream Team

On target[/caption]

Solanke was also credited with a ‘fantasy assist’ by stats providers Opta as he won the free-kick that was expertly converted by James Maddison (£4.6m) in stoppage time.

Gameweek 10 is not done yet but at this stage the 27-year-old is the top performer.

This points splurge couldn’t have come at a better time for Solanke’s backers as their patience has been tested in recent weeks.

He mustered just 16 points from six outings prior to his brace against the Villains and, for all his neat link-up play and tireless running, his lack of threat in the penalty area was a notable issue.

In fact, Solanke didn’t register a single shot on target in the six games leading into Sunday’s performance.

Rex

Solanke produced a composed finish to end his goal drought[/caption]

Almost 10% of Dream Team managers will be hoping his latest showing will kickstart a fruitful spell in front of goal – he bagged 21 in all competitions for Bournemouth last season.

Gaffers who replaced Solanke prior to Gameweek 10 will obviously be kicking themselves but it was a perfectly logical decision to move away from a striker without a single shot on target in his last six games.

The Dream Team gods can be kind but they can also be cruel.

The question now is worthy it’s a sensible move to bring the England striker back into the fold?

Spurs are due to host 18th-placed Ipswich in Gameweek 11, one of just two top flight sides without a league win in 2024/25.

Only Wolves have conceded more goals than the Tractor Boys at the time of writing and so it has to be considered an immensely favourable fixture for Solanke and company next weekend.

Gameweek 12 brings a tougher test in the form of Manchester City and Roma but there’s an international break to endure before then.

It’s amazing how quickly things can change in Dream Team; Spurs’ No19 looked to be a sensible sell just a few days ago but now has to be considered a strong option for the upcoming Gameweek.

It’s early days but Solanke is currently the most transferred-in player for Gameweek 11.

PA

Spurs have won nine of their last 11 games[/caption]

More broadly, Spurs are now top scorers in the Premier League this season.

This combined with a perfect start of three wins in three Europa League games indicates there’s certainly value to be had among Ange Postecoglou’s squad.

Brennan Johnson (£3.8m), James Maddison (£4.6m) and Dejan Kulusevski (£3.1m) are all among the top 13 Dream Team midfielders while Solanke is up to fourth among strikers.

Plus, Son Heung-min (£5.3m) averages eight points-per-game so far this campaign.

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