Will Lankshear, a talented striker, is poised to ignite one of football’s fiercest rivalries. Having spent nearly a decade within Arsenal’s esteemed academy, he now proudly represents their arch-rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, fueled by an unwavering determination to score against his former club and cement his status as a North London derby hero.
Lankshear’s journey to the pinnacle of English football has been anything but conventional. At just 15 years old, despite his proximity to their training ground, Arsenal made the difficult decision to release him, a pivotal moment that, in retrospect, he views as a transformative blessing that accelerated his maturity and resilience.
Following his release, Lankshear meticulously rebuilt his burgeoning career and confidence at Sheffield United. His prolific spell saw him net an impressive 38 goals in just 43 appearances across their under-18 and under-23 squads, attracting significant interest from numerous clubs, including Brentford, before he ultimately chose to join Tottenham Hotspur in August 2022.
His career trajectory eerily mirrors that of his childhood idol, England captain Harry Kane, who famously transitioned from Arsenal’s youth system to become a Tottenham Hotspur legend. This shared narrative adds a compelling layer to Lankshear’s ambition, as he seeks to emulate Kane’s remarkable success in the white of Spurs, especially against the Gunners.
Now, three years on from his pivotal move, Will Lankshear is fully embracing his second pre-season tour with Tottenham Hotspur, keenly anticipating the historic opportunity to participate in the first North London Derby ever hosted outside the United Kingdom, set to take place in Hong Kong’s state-of-the-art Kai Tak Stadium. This fixture represents a significant personal milestone.
Reflecting on his formative years and the subsequent challenges, the 20-year-old articulates a profound sense of personal and professional growth. He acknowledges the developmental opportunities provided by Arsenal but emphasizes the invaluable lessons learned post-release, particularly in adapting to the intense physical and mental demands of men’s professional football, which he feels has profoundly shaped him.
As the new season approaches, questions arise regarding Lankshear’s immediate future within the Tottenham Hotspur setup. Whether he will benefit from another loan spell, perhaps under former assistant Ryan Mason now at West Brom, or if he is ready to firmly establish himself in the first team under the new Tottenham head coach, remains a key point of anticipation for fans and pundits alike.
Beyond his on-field aspirations, Lankshear has also been deeply influenced by another iconic former Tottenham Hotspur and England striker, Jermain Defoe. During his time within the Spurs academy, Lankshear benefited immensely from Defoe’s mentorship, drawing inspiration from the veteran’s vast experience and prolific goal-scoring record, further refining his attacking prowess.
During the Hong Kong tour, Lankshear, alongside teammates Brennan Johnson and Ben Davies, participated in a community event, promoting literacy with “Bring Me a Book Hong Kong”. This engagement highlights the broader role players undertake, demonstrating Lankshear’s developing character beyond the pitch, as he continues to grow both as a footballer and an individual poised for a significant career.
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