Tottenham: Dominic Solanke offered assurances but Thomas Frank to stick with Richarlison for Bournemouth clash | OneFootball

The Brazilian has seized his opportunity and looks set to keep Solanke on the bench for a fourth successive game

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For all Thomas Frank has tinkered and tweaked his way through the opening weeks of his Tottenham reign, a personnel change up front does not appear imminent.

With Bournemouth the visitors to north London, Spurs have the chance to make it three wins from three at the start of their Premier League campaign and potentially go into the international break top of the table.

Two goals, an assist and seemingly now a fourth consecutive competitive start later today when the Cherries come to north London.

“I think it’s all about performances,” Frank said when discussing his forward options at Friday’s pre-match press conference.

“Richy has been fantastic in the pre-season, played well and scoring goals. If you play well and score goals, you keep your shirt. It’s difficult to put him out of the team and I have no interest in doing that.”

Tireless: Richarlison

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Those will not be hugely welcome words for Solanke. He has been limited to three cameos so far this season, not playing more than 20 minutes in any of those.

After a £65million move from Bournemouth a year ago, and with Richarlison spending significant spells of last season out injured, Solanke was the undisputed first-choice striker at the club. That is certainly not the case now.

The increased competition up front is good news for Spurs, particularly in a campaign where they hope to compete on multiple fronts.

However, that it was an injury that gave Richarlison the chance to shine and take ownership of the starting spot will frustrate Solanke, especially if it means he watches on from the bench against his former club.

He can, though, have few arguments right now. Richarlison has found a clinical touch in front of goal to go with his typically excellent work-rate and hold-up play. Regardless of the system employed by Frank, he has appeared a perfect fit.

Patience: Dominic Solanke

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Frank was keen to insist Solanke’s chances will come, but for now it seems that will have to wait until the fixture list bunches up next month.

“On the flip side, I think Dom is a very good striker,” Frank continued.

“I think Dom has in my opinion been good for Tottenham. I know he had the injury and had to come back and maybe he didn’t show his highest level in the end of last season.

“But I think it’s two good strikers and we need two good strikers. We’re going to play 60 games and with that we need both.”

I know he had the injury and had to come back and maybe he didn’t show his highest level in the end of last season

Thomas Frank

Does Frank think Solanke will be concerned by losing his place in the starting lineup in a World Cup year, as he tries to force his way into the England squad?

“I think that’s very far away right now,” Frank responded.

“I think he knows that he’s a good striker, he knows that I like him, he knows there’s competition. I think he probably knew that let’s say he was in the team and performed and Richy was pushing, it’s the same for both of them.”

Solanke also knows that only goals will force his case and against familiar opposition in Bournemouth, a return to the scoresheet would be incredibly timely. He will also know that a fit and firing Richarlison means even that might not be enough.