TOTTENHAM STAR DOMINIC SOLANKE PUBLICLY NAMES TWO TEAMMATES WHO NEVER PASS THE BALL AFTER 2-2 DRAW WITH AS ROMA

Tottenham Hotspur forward Dominic Solanke has sparked controversy after publicly calling out teammates Dejan Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson for their lack of passing during Spurs’ 2-2 draw with AS Roma. The match, part of the club’s pre-season preparations, showcased plenty of attacking promise but also highlighted areas of concern — including, it seems, a lack of cohesion in the final third.

Solanke’s Post-Match Comments

In a candid post-match interview, Solanke expressed his frustration with the team’s offensive dynamics.

“Look, I think we showed a lot of positives today, but sometimes it feels like I’m making runs for nothing,” Solanke said. “Dejan and Brennan are fantastic players, no doubt about that, but there were times when a simple pass could have opened up the game, and instead, they tried to do it all themselves.”

The 2-2 draw saw Tottenham create numerous chances, with goals from Heung-Min Son and James Maddison. However, missed opportunities and individualistic play in key moments left the team unable to capitalize on their dominance.

Key Moments of Frustration

Solanke’s comments appear to refer to several moments during the match when both Kulusevski and Johnson opted to shoot or dribble rather than pass to an open teammate. One particularly glaring instance occurred in the second half when Solanke made a perfectly timed run into the box, only to be ignored by Johnson, who took a speculative shot from distance.

Similarly, Kulusevski’s preference for taking on defenders in one-on-one situations often left Solanke waiting in vain for a final ball.

Fan Reaction

The post-match revelation has divided Spurs supporters. Some fans agree with Solanke’s assessment, arguing that teamwork in the attacking third needs to improve:

•“Solanke’s not wrong. Kulu and Johnson need to lift their heads and pass more. It’s a team game!”

•“We won’t win big games if our forwards don’t trust each other. This has to be addressed.”

Others, however, criticized Solanke for making his frustrations public:

•“Sort this out in the dressing room, not in interviews. Solanke’s comments could cause unnecessary drama.”

•“He’s barely played a handful of games for us. Calling out teammates already? Not a good look.”

What This Means for Squad Dynamics

Manager Ange Postecoglou is known for fostering a unified team culture, and such public criticisms could undermine that effort. Reports suggest that Postecoglou will address the matter internally to prevent it from escalating further.

Speaking after the match, the manager hinted at the need for better chemistry:

“We’re still building as a team, and these games are about learning and improving. It’s natural to have some frustrations, but we’ll work on it together.”

What’s Next?

With the Premier League season fast approaching, Tottenham will need to iron out these issues quickly. Both Kulusevski and Johnson have shown they are capable of brilliance, but finding the right balance between individual flair and teamwork will be crucial.

For Solanke, his comments may be a gamble — they could inspire change or alienate his teammates. Either way, all eyes will be on Tottenham’s next game to see if this public critique results in a more cohesive attack.

The question now is whether the team can move past this controversy and unite in their pursuit of success, or if this marks the beginning of deeper tensions within the squad.