During an interview, Harry Winks has opened up about his prospects at Tottenham Hotspur. The midfielder has acknowledged that life at the club is indeed getting difficult due to growing competition in central midfield, admitting that he must do more at club level in order to have a chance of making the England squad in the upcoming European Championship.
“My situation at Tottenham is difficult at the moment. It’s important that I keep fighting and working as hard as I can to stay in the squad and to stay in the team. ‘I want to be a part of that in the Euros, and I want to be in the starting XI in the Euros as well. But, yes, it’s important that back at Tottenham, I get the opportunities there, and I stay in the team there as well.”, Winks said, as quoted by Daily Mail.
Harry Winks’ Disappointing Campaign So Far
Winks’ downfall at Tottenham was imminent ever since the arrival of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who has become a core figure at the base of Jose Mourinho’s 4-3-3 formation. The Dane has offered more protection and tenacity in the middle of the park, ultimately making Spurs more resilient in the second line of press.
Unfortunately for Winks, Hojbjerg isn’t the only player who has stepped up this season as Moussa Sissoko has also established himself as a first-team regular. The Frenchman has built a formidable combination with the Dane in the double-pivot, making Spurs quite competent when it comes to winning back possession.
Even Sissoko’s compatriot and the much-maligned Tanguy Ndombele has managed to rekindle his form, thus becoming a regular in the advanced midfield role. As a result, Winks’ first-team opportunities have been restricted to just Europa League matches, as part of Mourinho’s rotation policy.
What Does The Future Hold For The Midfielder?
While the midfield trifecta of Hojbjerg, Sissoko and Ndombele has been performing well for Tottenham this season, it’s only a matter of time before Giovani Lo Celso also finds his form, effectively leaving Winks out of contention.
Therefore, a move away from north London in the upcoming January transfer window, might not be an illogical proposition for the Englishman. The player clearly needs proper game-time in order to make a case for his possible inclusion in the England team.
It is also fair to point out that Mourinho’s direct style of play is not ideal for the more technical nature of Winks. He is much suited under managers like Pep Guardiola, who could actually use his services, given Manchester City’s relative lack of depth in central midfield.
Even from Tottenham’s perspective, offloading an English prospect like Winks should serve as a financial boost for the club. It should ultimately allow them the opportunity to reinforce their squad in January.
