Glenn Hoddle gives his verdict on Will Lankshear’s poor challenge that led to his second yellow against Galatasaray.
Bittersweet night for Will Lankshear
Lankshear was handed his second senior start for Tottenham at Rams Park and what started as a night to remember soured in the second-half for the centre-forward.
The 19-year-old would have been on cloud nine when he scored his first goal for the Lilywhites on 18 minutes to draw the away side level after the Turkish giants had taken the lead, but he would later go on to be sent off after a rash challenge.
Hoddle was over the moon for the teenager when he silenced the Galatasaray faithful with his first-half strike.
The Spurs legend, who was on commentary, said on TNT Sports (7/11/2024, 6:07 pm via TBR Football) when Lankshear netted his equaliser: “What a fantastic feeling for the young man.
“A lovely ball from Archie Gray, he dinks a lovely weighted pass to Brennan Johnson and Lankshear is onside. Lankshear with his first senior goal. Fabulous response from Tottenham.”
Glenn Hoddle on Lankshear’s challenge
However, apart from his goal, the Tottenham striker struggled to get into the game, with the home side having the better of proceedings for large periods.
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The Spurs academy graduate’s evening came to an early end when he made a rash challenge on 60 minutes, leaving the referee with no choice but to brandish a second yellow.
The striker looked distraught as he walked off the pitch and Hoddle suggested that the youngster had a rush of blood to the head.
The 67-year-old told TNT Sports (7/11/2024, 7:08 pm): “I think it was born out of frustration. As a youngster, Will Lankshear lost his head and forgot he was on a yellow.”
A learning experience for Lankshear
It was not an easy assignment for Lankshear to lead the line at an intimidating away ground like Rams Park, especially considering that he had very little service.
It was a poor challenge but one which can be chalked down to inexperience. The young striker will undoubtedly emerge from this mentally stronger.