Tottenham paid £2m to sign Will Lankshear back in August – a player Arsenal released in 2021 – and he has now announced himself against West Ham.
What’s the story?
Well, Tottenham actually signed Harry Kane after he was released by Arsenal, and history looks like it could now repeat itself.
Lankshear had experienced a steady start to life at Spurs following his £2m move from Sheffield United, scoring just two goals in nine appearances so far this season before today.
However, the 17-year-old wonderkid smashed in a hattrick against Tottenham’s bitter rivals West Ham earlier today, in a game where he truly announced himself in north London.
Unfortunately, Lankshear’s outstanding efforts did not see him finish on the winning side, as Spurs ended up losing the Under-18 Premier League clash by a 4-3 scoreline, despite leading 3-1.
Nevertheless, the teenage striker will be pleased with his own efforts, despite surely feeling plenty of frustration that his hattrick couldn’t secure all three points.
Tottenham remain fifth in the Under-18 Premier League table, while West Ham remain top with ten wins from ten.
If anything, the fact West Ham’s young guns have a 100% record in the Under-18 Premier League speaks volumes about Lankshear’s hattrick, as the Hammers are clearly no fools at this level.
Tottenham must nurture Arsenal outcast
In recent times, Tottenham have struggled to get their outstanding young prospects involved in the first-team.
Dilan Markanday – who was tipped to become the next big thing to emerge from Spurs – ended up leaving on a permanent basis to join Blackburn last season, after registering 17 goal involvements in 14 Premier League 2 outings.
The prodigy later admitted that he wanted regular first-team football, hence the move to Ewood Park.
Tottenham have struggled to find a pathway for their best youngsters in recent years, but if Lankshear continues to shine at Under-18 level, Antonio Conte must keep an eye on him.
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