Teddy Sheringham has revealed he is a massive admirer of Tottenham rising star Harry Winks.
Writing in the Daily Mail, the Spurs legend gave a ringing endorsement of Winks as proof of how Mauricio Pochettino is able to spot and develop a young player.
“You only have to look at the way Harry Winks has made an impact,” Sheringham said. “He reminds me in so many ways of Michael Carrick.
“He is probably that bit more mobile but he has the same impact and influence as Carrick. If you watch, he takes the ball on the half-turn. He can see everything around him — in front, behind and to the sides. Carrick was like that.
“It was Pochettino who spotted that ability and he was not afraid to give Winks a chance in the first team, and he is not the only youngster to be given his chance by Pochettino.”
OPINION
Sheringham knows his onions and it will be gratifying to Spurs fans that a bona fide Premier League great and one of their star old boys has delivered such an upbeat verdict on Winks. The youngster has been in fine fettle in recent months after taking advantage of injuries to Mousa Dembele, Eric Dier and Victor Wanyama to establish a little-and-large central midfield partnership with Moussa Sissoko. Winks’ brain fused with Sissoko’s brawn has helped Spurs continue to carve out wins despite a never-ending injury list. It is a huge claim to compare Winks to Michael Carrick, another Tottenham old boy who swapped White Hart Lane for Old Trafford. The Spurs academy product is certainly quicker and technically as good, although there is not yet the evidence of a similar long-distance passing range or the ability to consistently dominate Premier League matches in the middle of the pitch. Winks has time on his side to acquire those skills, and the confidence to deliver them.