Move over Solanke: Ange already has Spurs’ “Harry Kane replacement” in £70k-p/w star – opinion

Tottenham Hotspur’s recent 3-2 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion highlighted both strengths and weaknesses in Ange Postecoglou’s side. Despite racing to a 2-0 lead through goals from Brennan Johnson and James Maddison, Spurs collapsed in the second half, conceding three times to slump to ninth in the Premier League table.

While the defensive frailties will concern Postecoglou, there are positives to be found in Spurs’ attacking play. Summer signing Dominic Solanke, who joined for a club-record £65m from Bournemouth, is beginning to find his feet. After a slow start hampered by injury, Solanke has registered five goal involvements in eight appearances across all competitions, including an assist for Johnson against Brighton.

However, it’s Johnson himself who has emerged as an unlikely successor to Harry Kane’s goalscoring mantle. The Welsh international, signed for £47.5m in 2023, endured a difficult start to the season, facing criticism from fans. But he has responded emphatically, scoring in six consecutive games across all competitions.

Johnson’s clinical finishing and composure in front of goal have drawn comparisons to Kane, with journalist Dean Jones dubbing him a potential “Harry Kane replacement”. The 23-year-old now boasts an impressive 21 goals and assists in just 44 appearances for Spurs.

While Solanke provides a focal point in attack, Johnson’s emergence as a prolific goalscorer from the right flank gives Tottenham a potent attacking threat. His ability to find the net consistently could prove crucial as Spurs look to climb the table and challenge for European places.

As Postecoglou continues to mold his team, the combination of Solanke’s link-up play and Johnson’s goalscoring prowess offers hope for Tottenham’s attacking future. While defensive issues remain a concern, the north London club appears to have unearthed a potential long-term solution to fill the void left by Kane’s departure.

Tottenham’s recent form under Ange Postecoglou has been a mixed bag, showcasing both promise and areas for improvement. The team’s ability to score goals and create chances is evident, with players like Brennan Johnson and James Maddison making significant contributions. However, their defensive vulnerabilities were exposed in the 3-2 defeat to Brighton, highlighting a need for greater consistency and concentration throughout matches.

The integration of new signings like Dominic Solanke is an ongoing process. While Solanke has shown flashes of his potential with five goal involvements in eight appearances, he’s still adapting to Postecoglou’s system and the expectations at Tottenham. His link-up play and ability to bring others into the game could prove crucial as the season progresses.

Brennan Johnson’s emergence as a consistent goalscorer has been a pleasant surprise for Spurs fans. His run of scoring in six consecutive games demonstrates not only his finishing ability but also his mental resilience, having bounced back from earlier criticism. If Johnson can maintain this form, he could help fill the void left by Harry Kane’s departure more effectively than initially expected.

Looking ahead, Postecoglou faces the challenge of balancing attacking flair with defensive solidity. The team’s current league position of ninth doesn’t reflect their potential, and there will be pressure to climb the table in the coming weeks. The manager may need to consider tactical tweaks or personnel changes to address the defensive issues while maintaining the team’s goalscoring threat.

The upcoming transfer windows could also be crucial for Tottenham. While Solanke and Johnson are performing well, the club might still be in the market for additional attacking options or defensive reinforcements to provide more balance to the squad.

As Tottenham enter another international break, Postecoglou will have time to reflect on recent performances and work on addressing the team’s weaknesses. The challenge will be to maintain the positive aspects of their play while ironing out the inconsistencies that have cost them points.

The remainder of the season will be crucial in determining whether Tottenham can mount a serious challenge for European places or if this will be viewed as a transitional year under their new manager. The potential shown by players like Johnson offers hope for the future, but translating that potential into consistent results will be key to Spurs’ success.