Tottenham's Loss: Will Lankshear Shines at Middlesbrough

Will Lankshear is quickly becoming a household name at Middlesbrough, scoring in nearly every home match this season. His latest goal, a deft header from Tommy Conway's cross, brought his tally to nine in just 12 games, leading Boro to a 1-0 victory over Wolves. This remarkable form has not only endeared him to the Riverside crowd but has left Tottenham Hotspur fans questioning their decision to let him go. Lankshear joined Boro for a potential club-record fee of up to £20 million, a move that now seems like a regrettable gamble for Spurs. While Middlesbrough climbs the Championship table, Spurs find themselves struggling in the Premier League relegation zone. The irony isn’t lost on fans; Lankshear has matched the total number of goals scored by Tottenham’s entire forward line in all competitions this season. Their lone striker goal in five months came courtesy of Dominic Solanke's late equalizer against Manchester United, a sign of the struggles Spurs are enduring. Supporters are voicing their concerns. Ali Speechly, co-chair of the Women of the Lane group, expressed frustration over Lankshear’s sale, suggesting it was primarily a financial decision. "Given how badly we have started this season, it feels like the wrong decision," she said, echoing the sentiments of many fans. Spurs opted to cash in on Lankshear, who was a promising talent coming off a successful loan spell at Oxford United, where he scored 12 league goals. However, his performances at the youth level and a lack of first-team opportunities at Spurs left the door open for his departure. Former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson emphasized the importance of playing time for young talents. He believes that for players like Lankshear, stepping into a first-team role is crucial. "If you’re 21 or 22 and still playing mostly in the under-23s, you’ve missed the boat," Robinson stated. Lankshear has certainly seized his chance at Boro and is making every moment count. During his time with Spurs, Lankshear impressed by scoring 23 goals for the U23 team and even featured in the senior squad during the Europa League campaign. However, with Spurs facing a managerial turnover and a reshuffle in the squad, he decided to seek a new challenge. Middlesbrough has a reputation for nurturing young talent, and Lankshear appears to be the latest success story. Boro, who struggled to finish chances last season, desperately needed a player of his caliber. As BBC Tees commentator Mark Drury noted, Lankshear’s instinctive finishing has been a game-changer for a team that creates numerous opportunities but often falls short in converting them. At 6 feet 2 inches, Lankshear has the physical attributes and finishing skills that remind many of Harry Kane. Robinson pointed out the similarities in their career trajectories, suggesting that, like Kane, Lankshear is developing into a player who thrives in a first-team environment. Both players faced early setbacks; Lankshear was released from Arsenal’s academy before finding his footing at Sheffield United and then Spurs. Despite a mixed bag of loan experiences, including an uninspiring stint at West Brom, he has found his rhythm at Middlesbrough. While Lankshear may not be a direct replacement for Kane, his poacher mentality and work ethic have drawn comparisons. Speechly lamented, "It’s painful to see, especially when we’re struggling to score goals. There are definitely similarities, and he has a real knack for finding the back of the net." As it stands, Spurs don’t have a straightforward path to bring Lankshear back next summer. The deal includes clauses that allow them to match any future offers for him, and they will receive 20% of any profit from a subsequent sale. But for now, Middlesbrough fans are relishing the chance to watch Lankshear flourish while they can.