Tottenham Hotspur youngster Will Lankshear has been sensational for Oxford United.
The 20-year-old was sent out on loan to the U’s last summer, and played an integral role as Matt Bloomfield’s side fought for survival.
That battle would eventually end in relegation to League One, though things could have been much worse had it not been for the loanee.
Notching 12 goals over the course of the season, Lankshear finished as the club’s top scorer by a fair margin, with Cameron Brannagan netting the second-highest tally of six.
Looking ahead to next season, the youngster simply has to be given a chance by Roberto De Zerbi, who will be looking to rebuild over the summer.
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Will Lankshear spearheaded Oxford charge
Following Oxford’s promotion to the Championship in 2024, they were able to punch above their weight and compete in the second tier for two years.
In a side battling at the bottom end of the table, the Tottenham loanee became talismanic throughout his spell.
Praising the England Under-20 man, Oxford boss Bloomfield told talkSPORT: “I’ve found him an absolute credit to his family, a credit to himself. A credit to his craft because he works so hard every day at his craft, his finishing, his hold-up play.
“If he can stay clear of injury and keep that focus that he has, I think he can go to the top because his finishing is top drawer. It’s his focus, his single-mindedness to be the best he possibly can be, that is so admirable. And I wish him every success.”
Having already scored his first Tottenham goal in a Europa League clash against Galatasaray, he has had a taste of a high level.
Moving forward, he has to be on the mind of De Zerbi as he looks to mould the club in his image.
Will Lankshear has left Tottenham with no choice
Lankshear is one of multiple youngsters arriving back at Hotspur Way this summer after successful loan spells.
Alongside his productive time with Oxford, both Mikey Moore and Luka Vuskovic have performed sensationally for Rangers and Hamburg respectively.
Though with the future of that pair in particular uncertain for the time being, it is much clearer with Lankshear – he must be part of the first-team squad.
It has been a dismal season for the Lilywhites, who find themselves in the middle of a tense relegation battle.
If the worst were to happen and Spurs were relegated, it would be a no-brainer that Lankshear leads the line next term.
Though, if De Zerbi does drag the club to safety, his integration into the first team is also a must. Not necessarily as a regular stater, but as a bench player and an option to start every now and then.
Should safety be secured, Tottenham are in need of a complete rebuild, and Lankshear is part of a core young group ready to begin stepping up as they do exactly that.
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