Will Lankshear has made some very good strides in his development as a footballer, during the first part of the 2023/24 season. The Spurs Development Squad centre-forward is a very clinical finisher, and a player who has really impressed, whenever I have seen him play for the Spurs Under 21 side this season. Born in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, but brought up in St Albans, Will started his footballing journey in academy football with Arsenal, however, he would join Sheffield United at 16, on scholarship forms. The 18 year old, who joined Spurs in the August of 2022, made a really good impression on the pitch for the Spurs Under 18 side during the early stages of last season (2022/23). He also featured for the Spurs Under 19 side in the UEFA Youth League, and also the Under 21 side (as well as featuring for the first team as a late substitute in a mid-season friendly), prior to being ruled out for much of the second half of last season, because of injury. Lankshear scored nine goals and provided three assists across all levels for Spurs’ academy, last season. This season however, Will Lankshear has been in great form in front of goal, since making his return from injury during the early stages of the season.

The first year professional has scored nine goals already this season for the Spurs Under 21 side, as well as providing a couple of assists. With excellent and intelligent off the ball movement, as well as being creative in his runs off of defenders, Lankshear has been so clinical in front of goal, for a very inform Spurs Under 21 side this season. His pressing off the ball is some of the best that I have seen from a Spurs academy centre-forward, and his strength and ability to shrug off defenders and hold-up/shield the ball, is also very impressive. In addition to scoring nine goals for the Spurs Under 21 side so far this season, Lankshear has also scored three goals from three appearances for the England Under 19 side, during the same season. With some good pace to his game, as well as being a tireless runner, Will is always on the move in and around the penalty area. However, what has been even more evident from this season in particular, is his clinical ability in front of goal. He has a real variety of finishes, and he is very clever in how he finishes his chances from inside the box.

In a Premier League 2 fixture against Blackburn Rovers earlier this season, the Spurs centre-forward really showed the quality of his all-round game. In that particular game, which was played at Stevenage’s Lamex Stadium, Lankshear’s hold-up play was outstanding. He linked the play well, and scored a good goal, however, it wasn’t just about the goal, but it was also about his runs off the ball, his pace in behind the defence, and also his tireless running. In my opinion Will Lankshear has been one of the standout players for the Spurs Under 21 side this season, and when you consider how long he was out for with his injury, and also the fact that he’s still only a first year professional, it really is impressive to see him make such an impression on the team. I really wouldn’t be surprised to see Will make a competitive match-day squad for Spurs’ first team at some stage this season. However, hopefully he continues to get plenty more minutes with the development squad during the remainder of this season.