EPL
Is two-goal performance enough for this star to gain Klopp’s trust?
Ever since moving from Chelsea to Liverpool in search of regular first-team action, England international Dominic Solanke has failed to gain Jurgen Klopp’s trust and he’s been a fringe part of the team.
The 21-year-old striker is no doubt one of the best youngsters in English football during his time at Stamford Bridge but Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte didn’t see something special in him, hence, both managers sent him on loan to develop his game.
In his first season at Anfield, the player couldn’t force his way into Klopp’s starting lineup as there were many attackers ahead of him.
Sadio Mane, Mohammed Salah and Roberto Firmino have all been in fine goalscoring form since the England international made his surprise switch to the Merseyside club last season.
The addition of Shaqiri, Naby Keita and Fabinho during the summer window further dash his hope of breaking into the team soon.
However, Solanke is doing everything possible to convince the German tactician that he is sharp and ready to score goals if given the chance.
Against Italy on Thursday, the young striker was lively as England’s U21 team narrowly pipped their European counterpart 2-1.
The former Chelsea academy’s product had everything going right for him throughout the game — his passes, runs, shots and dribbles were accurate and important.
It took him just eight minutes to score the first goal of the night which gave his side the lead against Italy. He rose the highest to nod home an in-swinging cross from Ryan Sessegnon.
However, the Italian youngsters equalized just before halftime to put the scoreline levelled at 1-1.
The Young Lions started the second period of the game in an interesting and inspiring way, passing the ball perfectly and also trying many long-range shots.
Eight minutes into the second period of the highly interesting game, the Liverpool striker was available to restore his team’s lead.
The manner with which he scored his second of the night was wonderful and eye-catching.
Apart from his brace, Solanke looked sharp throughout the encounter, as he successfully passed a message through to Klopp that he’s ready to take his chances if given the opportunity.
As it stands, the striker is below Salah, Mane, Firmino, Origi, Sturridge, and Switzerland’s Xherdan Shaqiri in the pecking order.
To be fair to the 21-year-old, Jurgen Klopp hasn’t given Solanke much time to showcase is quality.
Understandably, it is very unlikely to see Klopp drop any of his deadly front three in order to give the youngster some game time. However, Firmino’s dip form renders Klopp the perfect chance to start Solanke in relatively small matches.
The Brazilian is presently experiencing a dry spell in front of goal, it won’t be out of place should Klopp decide to ignore the 29-year-old star in his first XI while the Englishman takes his place
