View: 50% Tottenham player lets Postecoglou down after 'Massive' decision v Galatasaray

Will Lankshear has a massive learning curve at Tottenham after he was sent off in the 3-2 loss against Galatasaray on Thursday.

The 19-year-old scored his first senior goal for Spurs at Rams Park on 7 November, in what was proving to be a monumental outing for his senior career.

However, after Victor Osimhen’s brace added to Yunus Akgun’s sensational opener, the atmosphere in Istanbul got the better of the youngster as he needlessly hacked down Gabriel Sara on the hour mark and received his second yellow card and his marching orders.

Joe Cole labelled Ange Postecoglou’s decision to start Lankshear live on TNT Sports [7 November, 5:08pm] as “massive” before the game, and it’s one that backfired as he let down his teammates.

He said: “First of all it’s a massive night for the young lad, you wish him all the best.

“I think it’s a massive show of faith from the manager to put him in because when you go to these places and you’re thinking about how you’re going to win the game, you need to stand up to the – the environment, the pressures that brings.

“For a young player, it will take your breath away playing there, so he’s got a big job to do.”

Will Lankshear wastes his Tottenham chance v Galatasaray

Lankshear has emerged into first-team contention in North London this season alongside Mikey Moore but his future opportunities will surely be limited after his outing in Istanbul.

The forward was producing a performance well beyond his young years before his reckless sending-off and can still hold his head high after opening his Tottenham account from two shots on target resulting in a 50 per cent shot conversion rate and an xG of 1.01 [Sofascore].

However, it is abundantly clear introducing Lankshear to one of the most infamous atmospheres in Europe was a misfire by Postecoglou – as the game drew on, he lost possession six times, lost 100 per cent of his ground duels, and committed three fouls subsequently leading to two yellow cards.

Furthermore, he struggled to make any notable impact beyond the goal, only managing to get on the ball 13 times and completing a shocking 50 per cent of only four passing attempts.

Dominic Solanke replaced Lucas Bergvall following the sending-off and added another consolation goal for Tottenham but perhaps the more experienced forward should have started as now, Spurs have lost valuable ground to quality for the Europa League knockout stages.

Lankshear appeared eager to make up for his snub in the 1-0 win against AZ Alkmaar but almost too eager.

He can return to North London with his first senior goal under his belt but how long he will need to wait for his next opportunity after proving to Postecoglou he has must work to do to become a trusted member of the squad, remains to be seen.

In other Tottenham news, Spurs will be concerned about Dominic Solanke after a recent announcement.

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