It’s not Solanke: Postecoglou could now have his own Havertz in Spurs absolute unit
Tottenham Hotspur is in stellar form, showcasing a strong attacking presence under the leadership of Ange Postecoglou.
Despite a recent slip-up against Brighton & Hove Albion, Tottenham has won seven of their last eight matches across competitions, consistently displaying a high-scoring offense.
However, as effective as their forward line is, there’s room for an additional physical presence on the bench—a player who could mirror the attributes of Arsenal’s Kai Havertz.
Fortunately, Tottenham might already have a player with this potential waiting in the academy, offering Postecoglou a future option beyond Dominic Solanke. Among Tottenham’s promising talents, 16-year-old midfielder Lucá Williams-Barnett is making waves.
Elevated to the U18 squad in July, Williams-Barnett has already shown remarkable form. In just seven appearances this season, the Luton-born midfielder has scored eight goals and provided two assists, averaging an impressive 1.42 goal involvements per game—a remarkable achievement for his age.
Although it may be premature to expect him in the first team this season, his rapid development mirrors that of his academy peer Mikey Moore. If his progress continues, Williams-Barnett could be in contention for a senior team spot as early as next season.
Yet, Williams-Barnett is not the only young talent showing promise. Will Lankshear, another up-and-coming player, offers Postecoglou a potential forward option in the mold of a Havertz-style striker.
While Lankshear has the potential to establish his unique playing style, he possesses attributes that make him a promising candidate for a physical forward role. Standing at 6’2”, the Welwyn Garden City native could serve as a target man in future lineups.
Although a bit shorter than Arsenal’s Havertz, he is slightly taller than Solanke and could play a similar role as a focal point in attack, providing strength and hold-up play.
Lankshear’s youth career reflects a player already adept at utilizing his physicality in offensive positions. Described by Spurs expert Jon Wenham as “an absolute unit for his age,” Lankshear demonstrates the ability to use his size to his advantage.
This skill has translated into a strong youth record, marking him as a promising scorer. His stats further emphasize his potential. Over 34 appearances for Tottenham’s U21 side, Lankshear has scored 26 goals and added three assists, translating to an average goal involvement every 1.17 games.
These numbers highlight Lankshear’s consistent scoring ability across various levels, suggesting he could provide Tottenham with a valuable scoring threat in the years to come.
| Lankshear’s youth record | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Team | U18s | U21s | Youth League |
| Appearances | 5 | 34 | 2 |
| Goals | 4 | 26 | 1 |
| Assists | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| Goal Involvements per Match | 1.2 | 0.85 | 0.50 |
| All Stats via Transfermarkt | |||
While comparisons to Havertz may be premature, Lankshear’s blend of size, physical presence, and scoring capability indicate he could adapt to a similar role if needed.
Tottenham fans have reason to be excited about Lankshear’s progress. His versatility and proven track record at the youth level suggest he has the talent to develop in several directions, providing Postecoglou with tactical flexibility.
In a system focused on dynamic, attacking football, Lankshear’s growth could add an extra dimension to Tottenham’s offense. As he continues to develop, supporters can look forward to seeing him rise through the ranks and, potentially, make a significant impact in the first team.
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