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The wait for other players continues, but the signing of Dominic Solanke could turn out to be an excellent piece of business. The hot prospect excelled during England’s victorious Under-20 World campaign to win the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. After Liverpool made the move from Chelsea official today, there is another talented youngster to watch out for under the aegis of Jürgen Klopp and his coaching team.
The 19-year-old told the official site of his delight at officially joining Liverpool FC: “It feels amazing and everyone has made me feel welcome already. Even just pulling on the training top, I was over the moon. Hopefully I can put on the shirt in the near future and make some good history here.”
Solanke will wear the number 29 shirt on his back, and if he fulfils his potential at Anfield, the shirt could become a colletor’s item for those keen enough to purchase a shirt this season. Rumours of the move went as far back as February and a deal was agreed in May, but it appears that there is no agreement with Chelsea for a player who signed for Liverpool upon the expiration of his contract with the Premier League champions.
Solanke admitted that he is “quite versatile” to operate out wide or in the hole despite preferring to play up front. The self-described “born winner” has come for opportunities and development, but there is fierce competition in the first-team picture. Roberto Firmino, Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, and Danny Ings are Klopp’s senior strikers, but the reality is that at least one of them could conceivably seek a move over the next two transfer windows.
What Solanke will be hoping for is the chance to seize early opportunities in pre-season matches; impress during training and under-23 games throughout the season, where he could earn minutes in domestic cup games; and prove his application on days when it is easy to falter and drop one’s head ever so slightly. It may not be an easy task, but Solanke sounds like he has the confidence to give himself a real opening in the months and years ahead.