Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has certainly had problems at centre-forward this season. The Lilywhites have not been at their best in attack very often under their new manager, having only scored 27 times in the Premier League this term.
Their options at number nine have not been in the best form, which has certainly not helped. Richarlison is their top goalscorer this term with seven, with Mathys Tel, the other option up front to have scored.
Despite his talent, Randall Kolo Muani has struggled to adapt to the Premier League and has yet to score.
Dominic Solanke has also been missing for much of the season, but Spurs might hope his return will improve their fortunes.
Why Solanke’s return can help Spurs
Life under Frank has not really got going yet for Spurs’ number 19, Solanke.
He picked up a serious ankle injury at the beginning of the season and has been out injured since, having made just two appearances in the new campaign.
It is frustrating because the former Bournemouth man, who cost Spurs £65m including add-ons, would have been desperate to build on his 2024/25 form.
His debut campaign in North London saw him bag 16 goals and assist eight in 45 games in all competitions.
The three-cap England star will certainly add a new level of dynamism to the Lilywhites' attack.
He is an excellent penalty box number nine, with good movement in the area and instinct to pounce on any loose balls, as this goal shows.
That is certainly a different profile to the ones which Frank’s side have up front now.
Richarlison has his merits in the penalty area, but he and Kolo Muani are players who both operate well with space to run into.
Solanke’s return will be a massive boost, but if he struggles to rediscover his best form at Spurs, they can always turn to a young star to solve their centre-forward issues.
Spurs youngster who can soon rival Solanke
There are certainly some talented youngsters in the Lilywhites academy. Mikey Moore has shone at first-team level in the past, and Archie Gray recently scored his first professional goal after locking down a spot in the midfield.
Next up could be 18-year-old centre-forward Mason Melia. Described as the “Irish Harry Kane” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, he is set to move to the club in January after signing from St Patrick's Athletic for just £3.2m including add-ons.
It has been a quick rise to the top for the striker, who hails from Newtownmountkennedy in Ireland. He made his debut at just 15 years of age and has since gone on to develop a reputation as a clinical striker.
When you consider that, it is easy to see where the comparison to Spurs legend Kane comes from. In 35 Irish top-flight games this season, he's found the back of the net on 13 occasions and has chipped in with four assists.
Some of his underlying numbers from the 2025 season in a St Pat’s shirt show just how good he can be. For example, Melia is averaging 0.5 goals and 1.4 shots on target per 90 minutes this calendar year.
Described as an “instinctive” number nine by analyst Ben Mattinson, the teenager is brilliant at scoring all types of goals.
He has great movement in the box, but can also strike a ball from range with great success.
Despite being just 18 years of age, Melia already has an impressive goal catalogue and has built up a brilliant pedigree outside of that.
Spurs are having issues up front, and if Solanke’s return does not have the impact they would hope, it could be the 18-year-old’s chance to make a real name for himself.