Will Lankshear has made an immediate splash at Middlesbrough, prompting many to wonder whether Tottenham have inadvertently sold the next Harry Kane. The 21‑year‑old striker arrived in a deal that could climb to £20 million, and his early performances suggest the fee is a bargain. He opened his Boro career with a spectacular volley against Wrexham in the Carabao Cup and then delivered a brace to rescue Middlesbrough’s opening Championship fixture against Lincoln City.
Striker coach Scott Chickelday, who has been working one‑on‑one with Lankshear for the past two seasons, is hardly surprised by the youngster’s impact. Chickelday, who also trains elite Premier League forwards, rates Lankshear as the best finisher he has ever seen. “He has every type of finish in his arsenal,” the coach told Sky Sports.
“Little flick‑ons, tap‑ins, headers, volleys – a complete modern No 9. There aren’t many players like him right now. His finishing is extraordinary.
People laugh when I say he’s the closest thing I’ve seen to Harry Kane.” The comparison to Kane is bold. Kane remains England’s all‑time leading scorer and the reigning European Golden Shoe holder, yet several observers note striking parallels in their development paths, mentalities, and playing styles.
Like Kane, Lankspear’s loan spells away from Tottenham have been a mixed bag. A brief stint at West Brom ended without a goal, but a season at Oxford United, despite the club’s relegation, proved pivotal for his growth. Oxford’s head coach Matt Bloomfield explained to Sky Sports how Lankshear’s time at the club shaped him.
“When Will arrived, he had already been on a few loans that didn’t work out. Oxford was a big step for him.
He was tasked with leading the line for a side fighting at the bottom of the table, which demanded a different set of qualities.” Bloomfield praised the striker’s work ethic, noting that Lankshear gave everything on the pitch and used the experience to round off his game. “We were often out of possession, so we focused on his positioning when we won the ball back, his hold‑up play, and his ability to be a nuisance for the opposition after a clearance.” Last season Lankspear netted 11 goals in the Championship – a respectable return for a player with limited senior experience in a relegated side. Chickelday called the tally “encouraging” given the circumstances, while Bloomfield believes the Boro environment will amplify his output.
“Middlesbrough dominate possession more than Oxford ever did, creating far more chances for a natural scorer like Will. He lives to train and to score; his obsession with goals is evident.” That single‑minded focus mirrors Kane’s own reputation. Bloomfield added, “He’s a pleasant lad but there’s an edge to him. He wants success and, like all top players, he’s laser‑focused and driven.” The coach also highlighted Lankspear’s blend of innate instinct and relentless practice.
“He has massive natural talent, but you can see the hours of work. That’s the same with Harry Kane – they’re born goal‑scorers, but they hone their craft with extraordinary dedication.” Training anecdotes from Oxford illustrate Lankspear’s commitment.
After a session, he would often stay on the pitch to finish drills for an hour, forcing the staff to pull him back to preserve his legs for the next day’s match. This habit continued at Middlesbrough, where he now works with Chickelday before and after official sessions, arriving 40 minutes early for warm‑ups, then adding another 25‑30 minutes of running after the main work. His older brother Alex, who also plays at Gateshead, sometimes joins these extra sessions.
What does Lankspear focus on in those drills? Chickelday explained, “A lot of repetition – match‑scenario simulations, headers, volleys, cut‑back finishes – essentially every type of finish you can imagine.” He recalled a particular goal Lankspear scored for Oxford against Sheffield Wednesday: a classic Kane‑style strike where the forward cut in from the left, curled the ball into the top corner, and finished with his stronger right foot.
That goal encapsulated Lankspear’s versatility; he can drift wide on his left, cut inside, and finish with either foot, making him unpredictable to defenders. Statistically, Lankspear’s efficiency is striking.
Among the 72 Championship players who recorded at least 50 shots last season, he ranked third for expected goals per shot. Even at Oxford, he consistently generated high‑quality chances, a testament to both his positioning and the extra work he puts in. Chickelday also noted his proficiency from dead‑ball situations, saying, “He’s a very good free‑kick taker – I think he’ll develop that aspect further.” Looking ahead, Chickelday is confident Lankspear could become Kane’s successor.
“His mentality is to be the best striker in England, then the world. In two years I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s the £100 million forward everyone talks about.” Bloomfield echoed that sentiment, insisting that Lankspear is destined for the Premier League. “I have absolutely no doubt – Will is heading straight to the very top.” In summary, Will Lankspear’s early impact at Middlesbrough, combined with his relentless work ethic, diverse finishing repertoire, and statistical efficiency, has sparked a wave of excitement. While the Kane comparison may seem premature to some, the parallels in attitude, development, and raw goal‑scoring talent suggest that Boro have uncovered a rare prospect.
If he continues on this trajectory, the next few seasons could see him evolve from a promising youngster into one of England’s premier strikers, potentially filling the massive shoes left by Harry Kane.