For a young forward making his way at Tottenham, the journey to first-team football is never straightforward. Will Lankshear has now opened up on what Ange Postecoglou tells him to do in Spurs training.
The Europa League has often been a proving ground for young talent, and Tottenham’s recent clash with Galatasaray was no exception. Faced with injury woes and a packed schedule, Ange Postecoglou turned to some of the club’s younger players, offering them an invaluable chance to step up and deliver.
The match, held in Istanbul, began in less than ideal fashion for Spurs as Galatasaray struck first, leaving the visitors trailing early on. Despite the initial setback, Spurs found their equaliser through a moment of brilliance that showcased the team’s collective potential.
Archie Gray, playing from a deeper position, spotted a gap in the Turkish side’s defence, lofting a perfectly weighted ball behind the backline. Brennan Johnson, showing pace and composure, latched onto it and squared across the six-yard box, leaving Will Lankshear with the simplest of finishes.
For Lankshear, the goal was more than just a tap-in; it was his first for the senior side and a demonstration of what a proper centre-forward’s instinct looks like. Positioned well and staying onside, he delivered a moment Ange Postecoglou could be proud of—a goal born of teamwork and precise execution.
Speaking on the Inside Spurs podcast, Lankshear offered insight into his progression under Postecoglou, crediting the manager for his detailed coaching during training sessions.
He said: “The manager talks about in training, getting in there because the wingers are so fast, you need to be in there.”
On his goal, Lankshear added: “I made the run early because I thought Archie Gray could play that ball [to me]… he’s an intelligent player. He picked out a better ball [to Brennan Johnson] and then it’s just about staying onside.”
This straightforward yet crucial piece of advice has clearly resonated with Lankshear, helping him refine his role as a central striker. With Spurs playing high-paced, attacking football, the ability to anticipate and capitalise on chances created by rapid wing play is critical for any forward—something Postecoglou has evidently instilled in his young charge.
For young players like Lankshear, the opportunity to train and play alongside senior professionals is pivotal, and his performance against Galatasaray highlights why such integration can be transformative.
Developing within the first team environment not only allows emerging talents to learn from seasoned players but also provides direct exposure to the manager’s tactical philosophy and expectations.
As Spurs navigate a challenging season, the performances of players like Lankshear offer a glimpse of a promising future. With guidance from a manager like Postecoglou and exposure to the demands of first-team football, Tottenham’s young talents seem poised to carry the club’s ambitions forward.
The post Will Lankshear reveals what Ange Postecoglou tells him in Spurs training appeared first on Spurs Web.