Will Lankshear has spoken about his desire to make an impression on Ange Postecoglou and his coaching staff on the back of an outstanding campaign for Tottenham’s Under 21s.
Tottenham’s Under-21 side have been crowned the best side in the country and Lankshear played a huge role in the team’s success, leading the line brilliantly all campaign.
The 19-year-old scored 18 goals in 19 games in the normal league stage before blasting another five in four playoff games as Wayne Burnett’s men were crowned champions (Transfermarkt).
The striker has been crowned the Player of the Season in Premier League 2 and it has emerged over the last couple of weeks that a number of Championship clubs have already made advances to sign him on loan next season (Football League World).
However, the centre-forward has bigger ambitions, admitting that he will do his best to get a first-team spot at Spurs next season.
Lankshear told Football.London: “I’m going to keep working hard. I’ll work in the off-season. I can only work on what I can control really. That’s just working hard and not losing focus. If it’s for the U21s or the first team when I come back, I’ll give it my all and I’ll try to score as many goals as I can for whichever team I play for.
“I’ve had a few sessions over there [with the first team]. It’s amazing. The more you’re over there, the more you’re going to improve. I’ve really enjoyed it when I’ve had the chance to go over there. I’ve just got to try to push on now. The coaches put on a session and you’ve just got to do it to the best of your ability. You’ve got to be at the level. I’ll try to get to that spot.
“I just work hard. I like to give 100% and I won’t stop running and getting into the box, trying to score. I love scoring goals. That’s one of my massive passions. I do everything I can to do that and help the team.”
Lankshear wants to impress Postecoglou in Spurs pre-season
When asked about potentially trying to catch the eye of the coaches in pre-season, he responded: “100%. If I get the opportunity to catch Ange Postecoglou’s eye I’ll do the best I can. I’m looking to do that.”
Lankshear can take confidence from the fact that his Under-21 teammate, Jamie Donley, has successfully impressed the first-team staff, having made three Premier League appearances for the senior side in the season just passed.
Donley and Lankshear combined for many goals over the course of the season for the Under-21s and the striker confessed that the pair have developed a fantastic understanding.
He added: “I’ve just tried to build a relationship and I think Jamie and I have. I love playing with him and he’s so clever. I think he’s an unbelievable footballer and he makes my life so easy at the top there.
“He played a massive part in me being player of the season. I wouldn’t have been able to do that without him and of course the team.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Several players among the current Under-21 batch will fancy their chances of catching Ange’s eye in pre-season, with the Australian showing that he is not shy of handing opportunities to younger players.
However, there is no doubt that Lankshear is now ready to play senior football and I fully expect Tottenham to send the striker out on loan to a League One or a Championship side next season.