Dominic Solanke, the Bournemouth striker, is set to face his former club Chelsea at the Vitality Stadium today, six years after his controversial departure from Stamford Bridge. Solanke, who was once considered one of the hottest young talents in world football, will have a chance to show Chelsea what they have been missing. His former academy coach, Adi Viveash, has expressed disappointment that Solanke did not reach his full potential at Chelsea and believes he could have been a world-class player.
Phenomenal Talent
According to Viveash, Solanke was a world-class talent at youth level. He described the young striker as "phenomenal" and expressed his delight at seeing him succeed at Bournemouth. Viveash also mentioned that Solanke holds no grudges against Chelsea and respects the club's commitment to their academy. However, he emphasized that Solanke will be motivated to score and perform well in the upcoming game against his former club.
Domestic and European Success
Viveash recalled Solanke's impressive performances in Chelsea's youth teams, including winning the FA Youth Cup and the UEFA Youth League. Solanke was known for his ability to perform in big games and was considered the go-to player by his coach. He also finished as joint top scorer in the European Under-17 Championship and helped England win the 2017 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, where he was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.
Controversial Departure
Solanke's promising career took a turn after spending the 2015-16 season on loan at Vitesse Arnhem when Mourinho was sacked. The young striker was frozen out due to a contract dispute, which led to his departure from Chelsea. Viveash defended Solanke, stating that he was portrayed unfairly during that period and that the issue was not about money, but about finding the right pathway for his future.
Struggles and Redemption
Solanke's time at Liverpool did not work out as expected, and his first 18 months at Bournemouth ended in relegation. However, he has since rediscovered his form, contributing to the club's promotion campaign and starting the current season with two goals and an assist in four games. Viveash praised Bournemouth for their role in Solanke's mental strength and development as their go-to player.
A Potential Fit for Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea?
Solanke's former coach believes that Mauricio Pochettino, who is currently struggling to find goals for Chelsea, would have gotten the best out of Solanke. With his Premier League experience and still being in his prime, Viveash suggests that Solanke would be a valuable addition to any team. Although Solanke's departure from Chelsea might have been difficult, Viveash hopes to see him score and have a positive result, solely for his sake.
