Jonathan Woodgate insists Dominic Solanke is a better striker than Ivan Toney

SOCCER Bournemouth

Jonathan Woodgate insists record-breaking Brentford hitman Ivan Toney is not as good as “absolutely outstanding” Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke.

In-form Toney is arguably the most sought-after frontman outside the Premier League after netting a remarkable 31 Sky Bet Championship goals for the Bees this term, while Cherries forward Solanke registered a more modest total of 15.

The rival centre-forwards are set to face off when their clubs meet in the play-offs, beginning with Monday evening’s semi-final first leg at the Vitality Stadium.

While statistics suggest otherwise, Cherries boss Woodgate believes one-time England international Solanke is the superior player, pointing to the number of penalties converted by Toney to explain the gulf in goals scored.

Asked if the Brentford player was the best striker outside the Premier League, Woodgate replied: “Better than Dominic Solanke? You think he’s better than Dominic Solanke? I don’t think he is.

“Nine penalties; if Dom had taken our penalties, he would be on the same amount. I think Dom is better than Toney.

“Listen, I do like Toney but I think Dominic Solanke is absolutely outstanding.”

Bournemouth are seeking an immediate return to the Premier League following last year’s relegation, while Brentford were beaten in the 2020 play-off final and have not featured in the top flight for 74 years.

The Bees’ third-placed finish owed a lot to Toney, whose impressive haul following last summer’s arrival from Peterborough for an initial £5million is the most goals scored by a single player in a Championship season, surpassing the 30 Glenn Murray registered for Crystal Palace in 2012-13.

Woodgate is determined to deny 25-year-old Toney a dream trip to Wembley but feels the opposition’s prized asset is destined for the Premier League regardless of the outcome of the play-offs.

“I think there will be definitely teams sniffing around him,” said Woodgate.

“Last year, no one (in the top flight) really took a chance on him when he was at Peterborough. I thought, when I watched him, he was always a really, really good centre-forward.

“I am sure Premier League teams will take him now, even if they don’t go up.”

Following a difficult start to life on the south coast, Solanke has finally found his shooting boots, albeit in a lower division.

The 23-year-old, who was capped by his country in 2017, cost a reported £19m from Liverpool in January 2019 but struck just three times in 42 top-flight appearances for the Dorset club before relegation last summer.

Having expressed his high opinion of both Toney and Solanke, Woodgate was unsure whether he would be able to keep hold of the latter should promotion not be achieved.

“I won’t be making those decisions. I haven’t got a clue on that one,” he said.

Read more
BERLIN, GERMANY - JULY 14: (LR) Kieran Trippier of England Ivan Toney of England Anthony Gordon of England Joe Gomez of England and Cole Palmer of England disappointed after they lose after the UEFA EURO 2024 final match between Spain and England at Olympiastadion on July 14, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Jürgen Fromme - firo sportphoto/Getty Images)
‘If coming here has damaged my England chances, I can’t really change that. All I can do is play well. If I was to get back involved, then I’m ready for it’: Three Lions star targeting international return despite being frozen out of national team
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - MAY 28: Ivan Toney of Brentford reacts after the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Manchester City at Gtech Community Stadium on May 28, 2023 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
‘Arsenal? Manchester United? I never get involved in transfer windows – I let my people take charge of things. If something is meant to be, it will fall into place’: Ivan Toney discusses his motivation for joining the Saudi Pro League
Martin Odegaard of Arsenal is pushed by Alexander Isak of Newcastle United before the opening goal during the Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on January 7, 2025 in London, England.
'Obviously I’m biased, but Alexander Isak is the best striker in the Premier League in my opinion. He’s just won a cup and was instrumental for Newcastle in that game, as he always is' Brewing Erling Haaland vs Alexander Isak debate to bed by cult forward
Justin Kluivert of AFC Bournemouth celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal and his hat-trick goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and AFC Bournemouth at Molineux on November 30, 2024 in Wolverhampton, England.
The crazy stat that shows high-flying Bournemouth should be even better
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Jay Stansfield of Birmingham City celebrates his first goal during the Sky Bet League One match between Birmingham City FC and Wrexham AFC at St Andrewís at Knighthead Park on September 16, 2024 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
‘He’s been an absolute monster of a buy’: the record-breaking striker firing dominant Birmingham City back to the Championship
Sporting Lisbon striker Victor Gyokeres is expected to be on the move this summer
Viktor Gyokeres linked with surprise Premier League club - and it's not Manchester United or Chelsea
Latest in
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi of Spain thanks the fans during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Netherlands and Spain at De Kuip on March 20, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Arsenal report: Martin Zubimendi 'very close' to shock Real Madrid move
The current logo used for the Premier League
Surprise sponsor 'in talks' with the Premier League over multi-million pound deal: report
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho could still leave the club this month
'Alejandro Garnacho has let his family down. He might be immature but he is not young anymore, it's a massive disappointment that he is not performing - he just seems like a Ronaldo fanboy' Ex Manchester United star launches astonishing rant at winger
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
'I was brainwashed by Guardiola, but in a good way. It was like I was at university': Ex-Manchester City star reveals genius of Pep
 Sheila Garcia of Real Madrid CF battle for the ball with Alessia Russo of Arsenal FC during the UEFA Women's Champions League Quarter Finals First Leg match between Real Madrid CF and Arsenal FC at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on March 18, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.
'Over two legs I expected Arsenal to beat Real Madrid in the Champions League, I still think they can despite being 2-0 down,' says former Lioness Izzy Christiansen
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium on February 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Why Trent Alexander-Arnold won't be allowed to wear No.66 at Real Madrid as transfer edges closer
Latest in News
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi of Spain thanks the fans during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Netherlands and Spain at De Kuip on March 20, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Arsenal report: Martin Zubimendi 'very close' to shock Real Madrid move
The current logo used for the Premier League
Surprise sponsor 'in talks' with the Premier League over multi-million pound deal: report
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho could still leave the club this month
'Alejandro Garnacho has let his family down. He might be immature but he is not young anymore, it's a massive disappointment that he is not performing - he just seems like a Ronaldo fanboy' Ex Manchester United star launches astonishing rant at winger
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
'I was brainwashed by Guardiola, but in a good way. It was like I was at university': Ex-Manchester City star reveals genius of Pep
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium on February 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Why Trent Alexander-Arnold won't be allowed to wear No.66 at Real Madrid as transfer edges closer
Ipswich Town third kit for 2024/25 season
'The pink kit was quite divisive to begin with: a lot of people were unsure of it but I think the Tottenham game has cemented it as this epic kit' Ed Sheeran talks about designing Ipswich shirt - and how it ties into his music