Tottenham predicted XI vs QPR: 'Brilliant' 19-year-old to force his way into Ange Postecoglou's thinking

Some exciting youngsters to look out for ????

Jul 19, 2024 - 22:00
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Tottenham predicted XI vs QPR: 'Brilliant' 19-year-old to force his way into Ange Postecoglou's thinking

Tottenham Hotspur will see a quick turnaround following their first pre-season friendly on Wednesday night against Hearts.

Ange Postecoglou‘s men will make the short trip across London to face Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road on Saturday.

Spurs won in convincing fashion on Wednesday up in Edinburgh and there were some displays which may have really intrigued the Australian manager.

There is not expected to be any players become available ahead of the game on the weekend with Postecoglou providing an injury update ahead of next week’s trip to Japan.

“Pape [Matar Sarr] and Ben [Davies] should be okay for the tour in terms of participating,” the Tottenham boss said.

“Richy’s probably a little bit behind them, and Fraser’s probably a little behind them as well.”

William Lankshear of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after he scores his team's second goal during the Pre-Season Friendly between Heart of Midlothian...
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

Will Lankshear may have forced his way into Postecoglou’s XI

Having come on as part of the second half XI, 19-year-old striker Will Lankshear made an instant impact in providing Spurs with a real focal point up top.

The ‘brilliant‘ academy prospect has recently put pen to paper on a new deal but Lankshear has been strongly linked with a potential loan exit from Spurs.

However, Lankshear scored against the Scottish side before being withdrawn after just 22 minutes at Tynecastle.

That could well be an indication that he is set for an increased role against QPR this weekend with Postecoglou speaking positively of Lankshear after the game.

“Will was good. We kind of brought him in this last week. He’s looked bright in training. He worked hard,” he said.

“He’s had a very good year last year and it’s about rewarding him for that. It’s about coming in and making an impact. He did well and he took his goal well.”

Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall both set for more minutes

The two new faces to arrive this summer, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall, both impressed in their 45 minutes against Hearts.

Gray played the first half at centre-back – which was a first for him – alongside Oliver Skipp.

Despite impressing, Saturday could see Gray return to his more natural role in midfield despite Postecoglou being short of options at the back.

Bergvall also impressed massively in the second half after grabbing an assist and then providing the cross for the final goal of the night.

Spurs fans will be desperate to see these two continue to shine under Postecoglou.

Djed Spence reviving his Spurs career

The inclusion of Djed Spence in the squad was a big surprise, but it was nowhere near as big of a surprise as the performance the right-back put in.

The defender has been training back at Hotspur Way despite Spence being linked with a potential permanent exit from Spurs this summer.

But he may well have put in a claim for his future at the club on Wednesday night if he is able to replicate that level of display going forward.

Having grabbed a goal and an assist, it was Spence’s attitude of looking ready to fight for his place at the club which was perhaps most impressive.

It will be interesting to see what role he plays on the back of the Hearts display on Saturday afternoon.

Tottenham predicted XI vs QPR: Brandon Austin; Djed Spence, Ashley Phillips, Oliver Skipp, Jamie Donley; Archie Gray, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison; Mikey Moore, Will Lankshear, Heung-min Son

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