Luke Williams tips Macaulay Langstaff for the top after impressive display

Posted Saturday, September 16, 2023 by PA

Notts County boss Luke Williams believes Macaulay Langstaff can emulate Jamie Vardy’s journey from non-league to the Premier League after the striker’s impressive display in the 2-0 win at Salford.

Langstaff scored 42 goals in the Vanarama National League last season, and he’s already netted four in eight in League Two this term.

It could have easily been five, but the 26-year-old hit the crossbar just before half-time.

Despite not getting on the scoresheet against Salford, Langstaff’s all-round performance was outstanding, and Williams is backing him to reach the summit.

He said: “You also need things to line up, you need the stars to align and providing that he does what he’s doing and he doesn’t lose his humbleness and desire – if the stars align he will go to wherever he wants.”

Vardy did not play in the Premier League until he was 28, but won the title and FA Cup with Leicester and scored 136 top-flight goals.

Williams highlighted the similarities between Langstaff and Vardy.

He added: “I think the thing that they have in common is their love for the game is abundant. I think both guys are never happy with settling, both guys want to improve their career, both guys are desperate to score and leave everything on the pitch for their teams and I think these are the things that draw comparisons with these guys.

“What it is you’re seeing is that both guys have this desire to work and to improve.”

David McGoldrick’s header in the 37th minute gave County the lead, and the former Republic of Ireland international has already formed a brilliant strike partnership with Langstaff.

Dan Crowley added a second just after the hour mark to wrap up an excellent victory for the Magpies and send them to the top of League Two.

Salford, meanwhile, remain winless at home this campaign.

Ammies head coach Neil Wood said: “We were playing against a team of very good footballers so we knew it was going to be a tough game.

“We were stopping them from doing what they wanted to do but then they scored from our error when we should be calm and composed.

“Once they went 1-0 up they gained confidence and we suffered a knock in confidence which naturally elevated them to get on the ball and play.

“Second half we tweaked it and we were on top, we had two clear chances we had to score and we didn’t score them then they show how clinical they are.

“We’re lacking quality, shots on target, finishes, scoring goals. That’s where we’re lacking massively.”