What Manor Solomon said after Norwich win will excite Leeds United fans
If Manor Solomon’s recent form could be summed up in one word, it would be composure.
His assist for Largie Ramazani against Harrogate Town oozed precision. His goal against Sheffield Wednesday showed fantastic presence of mind when he rounded the goalkeeper. He scored with his first touch against Norwich City on Wednesday before his lofted cross amid a frantic passage of play found fellow goalscorer Daniel James at the far post. Solomon is on song right now.
The 25-year-old admitted he was unhappy with his performances after coming back from injury in October, having missed four games with a hamstring issue. The loanee felt he had started off life at United well but that his setback stunted his momentum.
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“I came here in six, seven months ago and I know straight from the beginning what the manager wants from me and demanded from me," he said. "For me, I think I started well - and then I had this injury and when I came back I wasn't in the best version of myself, not even close.”
But Solomon added: “I'm really happy that in the last two months I've been feeling much better and I'm feeling really good. And I'm happy that that boss [Daniel Farke] given me confidence and let him letting me play my game. I just want to show results.”
Solomon - who was a doubt for Norwich due hamstring concern - now has two goals and three assists in four matches across all competitions, which is his best run of form at Leeds by some distance. The Israeli is staying modest and humble, though.
Asked whether we are seeing the best of him right now, the winger said: “I don't know… I’m feeling really good, feeling that I'm back to myself. I'm feeling happy, confident. My injury is okay right now and I'm behind it, so yeah I'm happy I think I can get even better and I just want to continue like this.”
That Solomon is feeling back to his usual self on the pitch, and that he believes he can do better, will excite the United faithful. He is United’s most in-form attacker at present and Farke’s reluctance to rest him - having started seven of the last eight games - is perhaps benefitting him.
Solomon missed the majority of last season with a meniscus knee injury, only playing six times for parent club Tottenham Hotspur before his long setback. The confidence he may have lost during that time has been regained at Elland Road.
It was clear he meant his post-Norwich comments by his body language - very relaxed, very comfortable, very chipper. Solomon will be playing in the top-flight next season, at Tottenham or elsewhere, should his form continue.
The Israel international signed for Spurs just days after Ange Postecoglou’s arrival as manager was confirmed. With his position looking unstable right now, the future for Solomon at Tottenham is unclear.
He has found his feet once again at United and is an environment that is allowing him to thrive. Should Leeds themselves stay composed and secure promotion, they have a very good case to persuade Solomon to become a permanent player.