Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou can no longer ignore form of Under-21 hattrick hero Will Lankshear

 

 

At times, Tottenham Under-21s’ perfect Premier League 2 record looked to be under threat, but the quality of Will Lankshear proved to be the difference against Aston Villa Under-21s.

Heading into the clash with the Villans at The Lamex Stadium on Saturday 27 January, Spurs had won all 10 of their previous Premier League 2 fixtures so far this season.

That is why it came as such a shock that the visitors managed to take the lead twice in the first half.

In the end, Wayne Burnett’s side survived the scare, showing plenty of character, while Lankshear demonstrated plenty of individual quality to help his side overcome these setbacks and win the match 5-3, extending their lead at the top of Premier League 2 to four points with a game in hand.

Lankshear’s hattrick was what ultimately separated the two sides, and it was the type of performance which sent a statement to Ange Postecoglou and any potential suitors looking to take the striker on loan before the January transfer window closes.

Villa took the lead after just four minutes, but Spurs and Lankshear quickly hit back, the 18-year-old grabbing his first of the afternoon in the 15th minute with a brilliant lob after he was picked out by Damola Ajayi, who impressed as he stepped up from the Under-18s.

It was the visitors who hit back once again, and they took that 2-1 lead into half-time, but it didn’t take long for Spurs to show their quality in the second half, with Lankshear and Ajayi netting twice in as many minutes to put the hosts ahead.

Jude Soonsup-Bell put the game out of reach before Lankshear completed his hattrick in the 72nd minute, receiving the ball in the box, spinning and finishing emphatically into the bottom corner.

Villa did grab a consolation late on, but the damage had already been done, mostly thanks to Lankshear.

His three goals made it 11 in 10 in the Premier League 2 this season, with his fine form in front of goal showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Ange Postecoglou is still yet to name Lankshear on the bench in any of his matchday squads, which will surely continue to frustrate the player considering his recent form.

A number of his Under-21 teammates all seem to be regulars within Postecoglou’s first-team squads at the moment, and Lankshear will certainly feel as if he has done more than enough to earn an opportunity of his own.

If it doesn’t arrive this season, Spurs supporters can rest assured in the knowledge that they have a star in their hands for the future.

In other Tottenham news, Postecoglou can cut ties with one player this season as a clause in his contract emerges.

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