OPINION
Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks has seen his form plunge in the past couple of months and he faces a mammoth task to force his way back into the starting XI.
The 22-year-old made a strong start to the campaign and became a regular in Mauricio Pochettino’s side due to a spate of injuries and suspension in the squad.
He delivered some eye-catching displays with his range of passing and intelligent play in the middle of the park.
However, he has certainly regressed in the past couple of months and found himself slip down the pecking order.
The central midfielder has completed 90 minutes just once in the Premier League since November and has some real tough competition for a starting spot.
Mousa Dembele has managed to rediscover his best form recently to become an ever-present in the side, while Eric Dier is another favourite of manager Pochettino.
Meanwhile, midfield enforcer Victor Wanyama and either the versatile Moussa Sissoko could be considered ahead of the English youngster.
Winks definitely still has time on his side and is playing for an elite side, but the first few months of the season suggested he had cemented his position in the side.
He earned a call-up to England’s senior national team and will want to be playing regular football ahead of the World Cup in the summer.
Spurs are still competing on three fronts this campaign as they eye a top four spot in the Premier League, while they battle in both the FA Cup and Champions League.
This should give Winks some opportunities to make an impression in the first team, but in truth he faces an uphill task to become the first name in Spurs’ midfield given the calibre of players he is competing against.