Dominic Solanke has called Neymar one of the greatest players of all time while reflecting on his seven-year wait for his second call-up to the senior national team.
Forward Solanke had just made his Premier League debut and was yet to start in the top flight when Gareth Southgate used him from the bench against Brazil in a friendly at Wembley in November 2017.
Then 20, he shared the pitch with Neymar – who would go on to succeed Pele as the Selecao’s all-time top scorer – for 15 minutes in the only senior game he has played for the Three Lions.
Always special to represent the #ThreeLions 🦁
🗣 @DomSolanke pic.twitter.com/KV3IZrOqz7
— England (@England) October 8, 2024
Solanke: England ‘another level’
“I’ve still got it framed in my house,” Solanke said of his England shirt from the game.
“It’s one of the greatest achievements of my career. When you’re young and you’re just playing football, you just want to make it – but representing your country is a whole other level.
“Neymar’s one of the greatest footballers to ever play the game – someone who everyone enjoys watching, such a special player. Players like that bring joy to football.”
“Back with the boys and representing my country.” 🫡
❤️ @DomSolanke pic.twitter.com/L53AKvGYG6
— England (@England) October 8, 2024
England trophies ‘next step’
That August, Neymar signed for Paris St-Germain from Barcelona for a £200 million fee that remains the all-time record. Solanke had moved to Anfield the previous month, with a fee set by a tribunal between the Reds and his former club, Chelsea, said to be around £3m.
“You’re on the bench warming up, praying you get that opportunity,” said Solanke,who has been directly involved in five goals in eight games since joining Tottenham from Bournemouth in August for a fee that could rise to £65 million. “Against Brazil at Wembley, there are not many greater opportunities to get your debut.
“I still…
Source link : https://www.101greatgoals.com/football/internationals/dominic-solanke-england-neymar-brazil/
Author : Ben Miller
Publish date : 2024-10-08 17:53:05
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