Dominic Solanke: What can Liverpool expect of him this year?

DUBLIN, IRELAND – AUGUST 5: Dominic Solanke of Liverpool scores their teams third goal during the Pre Season Friendly match between Liverpool and Athletic Club at Aviva Stadium on August 5, 2017 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images) /

Dominic Solanke has lit up the preseason for Liverpool. We look at his career so far at what we can expect from this season.

This summer Dominic Solanke has begun to make a mane for himself. He helped England U20s win the World Cup this summer and was named U20 World Cup Player of the tournament. Now a move to Liverpool and impressive preseason has people talking.

The young striker has always had an eye for goal. Scoring 20 goals in 25 games during his first full season at Chelsea U18s. Blues manager at the time, Jośe Mourinho, had indicated he was good enough to train with the first team. The following season he proved his worth by helping Chelsea U18s win the FA Youth Cup Final, beating local rivals Fulham. It was Solanke’s two late goals that took the final to extra time.

During the 2014/15 season, Solanke had been named on the bench for Chelsea’s first team against Crystal Palace. Diego Costa had suffered an injury and was ruled out. That same week, he came off the bench to make his professional debut in the Champions League against NK Maribor in a 6-0 win. Still playing at youth level at the time, he was Chelsea U18’s top goal scorer in the UEFA Youth League. He scored his first Chelsea goal for the senior team in a post season friendly against Thailand All-Stars.

The next two seasons he had been loaned out to Vitesse before playing for Chelsea last term. However he wasn’t given many chances or opportunities to prove his worth. Liverpool saw an opportunity and stepped in.

So far he has shown Liverpool fans plenty to inidcate he will be a valuable signing and an important team player. The Reds kick off their new Premier League campaign on Saturday and will also be involved in the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup. Dominic Solanke could play a vital role for Liverpool across all those competitions

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Based on Liverpool’s preseason campaign, Solanke has moved ahead of Divock Origi. When we need a player to come on towards the end of the second half, it will be a tough decision for Klopp between the two.

He has scored three goals already in the Red shirt; including an incredible goal against Crystal Palace in the Asia Trophy. Both his other goals were headers, against Hertha Berlin and then Athletic Bilbao.

His ability on the ball, pace, quick thinking and movement has impressed Liverpool fans. Expectations are growing.

It is hasty to judge a player completely based on preseason activities, but equally Solanke’s been one of our best players. His impressive performances can’t be ignored. It has been an incredible summer for Liverpool and England U20s in the World Cup. His star is rising and it should continue.

Is Dominic Solanke going to make an impact this season? Can he play to fan expectations?

Next: Liverpool fan report: Trip to the Audi Cup

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This article is by Rahul Kevin Tanna. Follow him on Twitter – @RahulKevinTanna

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