Paul Merson has praised Dominic Solanke for overcoming his frustrating spell with Liverpool.
The striker was viewed as one of the jewels in Chelsea’s academy when he signed for the Reds in 2017. Solanke struggled in his debut campaign, making five starts in his 21 league appearances, and was forced to wait until the final day of the season to score his first goal for the club.
A £19m move to Bournemouth soon followed in January 2019 but his lack of Premier League goals continued. Two seasons in the Championship allowed the one-time England international to score a combined 44 goals and, aged 26, is finally flourishing in the top-flight.
Sky Sports pundit Merson admitted that Solanke had narrowly lost out to Manchester City’s Erling Haalnd in his team of the season so far. The Bournemouth forward has scored an impressive 12 goals in 18 league games, while Haaland is the league’s top scorer with 14.
“I had Solanke (but picked Haaland),” Merson told Sky Sports, as relayed by HITC, explaining that Solanke would have pipped Haaland if the team was picked after his recent hat-trick against Nottingham Forest. “But I did pick this (team of the season) before the last week (hat-trick). I think he has been outstanding.
“I think he went to Liverpool a bit early. Didn’t perform. Got behind the eight ball. Went to Bournemouth and now I think he has been outstanding. I think he has been a threat. I wouldn’t be surprised if he carries on doing what he is doing he gets a move.”
Solanke has scored five goals in his last three games, becoming the forward that Liverpool believed they had signed, more than six years ago. His goal tally is currently level with Mohamed Salah’s, though the Egyptian has scored three more across all competitions.
