OPINION
Harry Winks has become an unsung hero for Tottenham in recent weeks, and Joe Cole’s comments comparing the England international to former teammate Michael Carrick do not overstate his potential.
The 22-year-old has transformed himself into an integral part of Spurs’ midfield in the wake of a spate of injuries, and has looked completely at home in the pressured role of a Premier League regular.
Winks even managed to grab a last minute winner against Fulham last Sunday to prevent Spurs from slipping further behind in the title race.
No doubt Mauricio Pochettino would love the midfielder to add goals to his game, but that’s not where the real strength in his game lies, as comments from Joe Cole suggested in midweek.
During Sky’s coverage of the Carbao Cup semi-final against Chelsea, as quoted by talkSPORT, the ex-West Ham man said: “He is very well thought of in the England set up. I speak to a lot of the coaches who work with him.
“He’s one of those players who is like a Carrick, a players’ player. You appreciate him and the fans might think what he’s doing is simple, but he always receives it away from the player and his passes are crisp.
“I think he’s going to go on and have a great career.”
Carrick made himself a Premier League legend by doing the understated, simple things, and Winks could do exactly the same.
His ability to play in tight areas, his efficiency with possession, and his constant searching for that incisive forward pass that could split a defence open are highly reminisce of the former Tottenham man in his prime, and if Winks continues to progress at the rate that he is, he could become an invaluable player for club and country.
The young man is a favourite of Gareth Southgate’s already, and could occupy a vital linking role in the centre of the park that the Three Lions have struggled to fill in recent years.
Jack Wilshere looked as if he could be that player, but injuries have been cruel to him, and now Winks must step up and show that he is, finally, a successor to Carrick’s legacy.