Arsenal: Things to Know About Manor Solomon

Manor Solomon’s Career So Far

Starting out in his native Israel, Solomon’s breakthrough came in the 2016/17 campaign. Still playing for Petah Tikva at the time, he made 26 appearances across all competitions – albeit just seven from the start – with his debut coming in November 2016.

His four goal involvements during that season were doubled the following campaign as he won himself a regular starting berth in the side, with the vast majority of his outings coming on the right wing.

Continuing to impress during the following campaign, he would only turn out 13 times for the Israeli side before being snapped up by Shakhtar at the midway point of the season. Having registered two goals before his move, he’d add to that tally with a further goal and assist in Ukraine.

Playing more regularly on the left or through the middle for Shakhtar, his versatility impressed enough to see him feature in all but three of the fixtures his side played for the remainder of the campaign.

Already being tracked by European sides at this stage, it was the 2019/20 campaign where his 11 goal involvements made the continent take note. One of his strikes secured a point away at Manchester City in the Champions League.

Impressive displays on the biggest club stage of all have been his most famous contributions to date, with two goals in two fixtures against Real Madrid this term putting clubs in red alert. Six goal contributions in 17 outings (nine from the start) in 2020/21 is a commendable return for someone his age.

Why Do Arsenal Want Manor Solomon?

There are numerous reasons for Arsenal’s interest, as versatility, energy on the ball and Champions League pedigree all play their part.

With Nicolas Pepe and Willian both in the squad, and five and 11 years older respectively, scooping the ‘next big thing’ to come in and potentially assume that role of the right wing before he becomes a world-class star is in the club’s thinking. Unless Bukayo Saka continues in that slot, that is.

Mikel Arteta will want to be proactive as opposed to reactive, a tried and tested Arsene Wenger method, and their regular scouting has brought feedback that is all positive.

Manor Solomon Style of Play

If one word would describe Solomon it would be ‘flair’. This is someone who never shies away from a one-on-one and, in fact, goes in search of them. He’s someone who is most comfortable with the ball at his feet, where his low centre of gravity means he can drop a shoulder and use his quick turn of pace to beat his man.

His technique is raw but unpredictable, with drag-backs, flicks and step-overs galore. Quick without being a pace merchant, he’s tough to mark and even tougher to steal possession off.

Of course, the downsides are that his height and strength mean he can be muscled off the ball easier than most, a trait that is needed when you play in the Premier League. However, if you don’t have the physical stature then you have to make up for it with superb technical ability, which Solomon has.

If there as a player who you could compare him to in England, it’d probably be Pedro Neto and, if we’re being honest, Neto is a player who wouldn’t be out of place in this Arsenal side, either.