MusaWhile Tottenham Hotspur had to wait six hours of Premier League football before finally ending their scoring drought this season, former academy striker Will Lankshear has enjoyed an explosive start since leaving the club.
Lankshear, who joined Middlesbrough in a £20 million deal during the summer, has already found the net nine times across all competitions. That tally includes a goal for England Under-21s, meaning he has scored two more goals than Tottenham’s entire team so far this season.
Lankshear full of confidence after England U21 goal
The 20-year-old is enjoying a remarkable run of form and is quickly closing in on his best-ever senior goal tally.
Lankshear’s previous career-best came last season, when he scored 11 goals in 44 Championship appearances for Oxford United. Given his current scoring rate, there is every indication that he could surpass that figure sooner rather than later.
Following his latest appearance for England U21s, Lankshear revealed just how much confidence he currently has in front of goal.
Speaking to Sun Sport, he said: “Every single time I step onto the pitch, I feel like I’m going to score. I would have said that last year as well.
“I’d be lying to you if I said I didn’t have any confidence right now.”
Lankshear attracting England senior team attention
Tottenham agreed to sell Lankshear to Middlesbrough for £20 million, reportedly making him the Championship club’s record signing. Because he came through Spurs’ academy, the transfer represented a significant profit for the north London club.
However, considering his outstanding form since the move, Tottenham could potentially look back and wonder whether they could have secured an even higher fee.
The size of the transfer naturally brought additional pressure, but Lankshear insists he has embraced the challenge rather than feeling overwhelmed by it.
“It has been a relief to get off to a good start, to be honest,” he said.
“When you go for a fee the spotlight is on you a little bit. I worked really, really hard in the off-season. It did not quite work out at Spurs, but I found my way to Middlesbrough.
“I found myself in the best possible position to be in for a young striker. I’m getting minutes and I’m learning every single day.”
Harry Kane comparisons continue
Given Lankshear’s Tottenham background and his rapid rise as a young striker, comparisons with Harry Kane have inevitably emerged.
The growing excitement around the forward has even led former England striker Michael Owen to suggest that England senior boss Thomas Tuchel should consider giving Lankshear an opportunity with the first team.
The situation will be particularly interesting for Tottenham, who continue to search for consistency in attack. Richarlison has been frozen out, while Dominic Solanke and Omar Marmoush have yet to hit top form.
England U21 boss Lee Carsley, however, has been careful not to place excessive pressure on Lankshear, particularly with the youngster already being compared with England’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Carsley praised the striker’s confidence and mentality after his latest performance.
“His finish was outstanding. He’s had a strong week. The way he’s played at Middlesbrough, he’s definitely brought that confidence into the camp.
“You always wonder whether that’s transferrable, when you’re doing so well at a club, but he’s shown that tonight.
“He’s shown a bit of character because I left him out of the squad for the first game against Kazakhstan (last September) and sometimes that goes one way or the other – and he’s definitely found his game.”
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