Van de Ven picks Marmoush ahead of Solanke as Tottenham’s best striker

Tottenham captain Micky van de Ven chose Omar Marmoush as the best striker he has played with, putting the new signing ahead of Dominic Solanke and Richarlison. The pick, reported by Spurs Web from a Fan Zone TikTok segment, lands as manager Roberto De Zerbi has publicly praised Solanke as a centre-forward.

In the segment, Van de Ven was asked to name the best goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, winger and striker he had played with and against. Spurs Web reports that he named Cristian Romero as his best defender and Heung-min Son as his best winger. For striker, he selected Marmoush, ahead of the other forwards he has played alongside, including Netherlands teammates Brian Brobbey and Memphis Depay.

That endorsement contrasts with De Zerbi’s recent comments about Solanke. Spurs Web says the Tottenham manager called the England international a “complete player” after his goal at Old Trafford and described him as a strong fit to lead the line. Solanke has scored twice and provided no assists in one Premier League appearance this season, according to verified club match records.

Marmoush’s numbers so far offer a different picture. Figures published by Spurs Web and correct as of 15 October 2026 show that he has made five league appearances for Tottenham, playing 365 minutes without scoring or assisting. He has recorded four shots, one on target, 13 successful dribbles and 21 duels won, with a 6.62 average rating and 94 per cent pass accuracy.

Spurs Web reports that De Zerbi’s recent selections point to a preference for Marmoush on the left rather than as the central striker. TEAMtalk had reported a couple of weeks earlier that De Zerbi wanted to use him on the left wing or in the No. 10 role. Spurs Web says that preference is one reason the manager wants another out-and-out centre-forward in January.

Tottenham travel to Coventry City on Monday, 19 October. Coventry are 14th with six points from six games, and De Zerbi’s choices in attack will be under scrutiny as Spurs continue their season. Van de Ven’s selection is a clear vote of confidence in Marmoush, but it does not change the immediate question of who leads Tottenham’s line—or the reported plan to add another centre-forward in January.