Harry Winks - Leicester City

[fortworthspur]

I still remember his debut in the Europa League three years ago and nobody knew who he was. Came on with just a couple of minutes to play. I like the comparisons to Xavi and Iniesta - he's got that sort of ball control and passing. If he can develop an incisive edge to his game he could be great.

 

[mattdefoe]

Brilliant little player but it does show that it's very easy to get in the England squad now a days. He barely starts for us

 

[BringBack_leGin]

It's not beyond people - others are taking the viewpoint that actually he may get a big confidence boost out of it that might actually translate onto the pitch for Spurs. He himself seems delighted rather than petrified

Also massively reject your point re producing a mixed bag. He has been very good in most of the games he has played in IMO since coming into the team. At least a 7/10 and on occasions doing more. And it's a nice stat to say fewer than 10 starts but you do him a disservice ignoring that he played a part in the majority of games last year when fit and was Pochs go to man to control and see out games

Personally think you are making way too big a deal out of it and then getting in a condescending huff because people don't agree

Actually, I merely made my comment about not being hugely in favour, nothing over the top or elaborate, very docile and balanced, and others made a massive deal, got sarcy and went way over board. Really don't care about people disagreeing with me, will bite when people patronise me or mock my view.

Anyway, I've not posted in this thread for two days due to wanting to let that die down as that people could rightly praise the kid without the distraction of a snippy argument, so I will revert to that. Your fired your rifle after the battle had ended and the bodies had been collected I'm afraid.

 

[JUSTINSIGNAL]

Brilliant little player but it does show that it's very easy to get in the England squad now a days. He barely starts for us

I think it is more to do with the fact England our crying out for a player like Winks rather than basing it on experience. I don't think there is any doubt he will start more games for us in the future, so why shouldn't England start integrating him now, his talent certainly deserves it.

 

[nicdic]

Brilliant little player but it does show that it's very easy to get in the England squad now a days. He barely starts for us

Nah, it does show how few options England have in central midfield. But even then, in terms of ability the kid is clearly deserving of the call up, he offers something none of the other options do, and is more than good enough to hold his own in there.

 

[DJS]

Still would have liked him to have been given the number 8 shirt but hey ho guess saving for Barkley.

I think best shirt number for him would be 4 but tha ain’t hopefully gonna be available for a good while lol...

Number 29 should be a youth team forward.

(And no not number 40 lol as he should be in top 25 numbers with exceptions of Davies as 33 quite cool for a left back lol).

 

[nicdic]

Still would have liked him to have been given the number 8 shirt but hey ho guess saving for Barkley.

I think best shirt number for him would be 4 but tha ain’t hopefully gonna be available for a good while lol...

Number 29 should be a youth team forward.

(And no not number 40 lol as he should be in top 25 numbers with exceptions of Davies as 33 quite cool for a left back lol).

I thought he might have been given 8 or a lower available number but it's OK.

 

[brendanb50]

Brilliant little player but it does show that it's very easy to get in the England squad now a days. He barely starts for us

I agree.

In principle it's good to get young potential around the England team (if we ever plan on building some sort of core squad/ethos in the next decade - unlikely) but ultimately when compared to some of talent we've had there in recent years, it's hard to imagine him having got that call up, despite the fact that the talent we had never looked like winning anything really.

Southgate isn't the man for me who will change anything but the squad we have at international level needs to be built around an effective system(s), where everyone knows their roles and plays their part. Selecting a team of 'stars' alone (and i use that term loosely) doesn't work as we haven't traditionally had a team which emphasises technically ability, variety of play or a particularly strong team spirit.

So players like Dier (who's a key cog for us) and looking at players like Winks in the longer term could be key to us as they both work hard for the team and have strong technical elements and versatility to their game. Find a system to start putting these types of players in and we may get somewhere.

 

[tiger666]

http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/harry-winks-on-england-at-hotspur-way-041017/

FROM ‘EXTRA’ TO ENGLAND SQUAD MEMBER IN TWO YEARS - WINKS ON ‘SURREAL’ THREE LIONS CHANCE

Posted on 4 October 2017 - 17:48

In November, 2015, Harry Winks was drafted in as a spare body to make up the numbers in England’s training session at Hotspur Way.

Today, less than two years later, he trained with them at our Enfield base again, for real this time, as an active member of the squad in advance of two decisive World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Lithuania.

No wonder our home-grown midfielder couldn’t keep the smile off his face when we caught up with him this afternoon, shortly after the Three Lions’ session!

“It’s brilliant, a dream come true to actually train with the boys as part of the squad,” said the 21-year-old midfielder, who impressed from the start against APOEL and Huddersfield Town last week before linking up initially with England Under-21s at St George’s Park, then being promoted to the senior squad on Monday night following the withdrawal of Fabian Delph and Phil Jones.

“It is still a bit surreal now. I met with the Under-21s on Sunday night, I trained with them Monday morning and then I found out shortly afterwards that I was with the seniors. It all happened so quickly, so sharply, and I’m still trying to get my head around it! I was obviously gobsmacked, over the moon. I got on the phone, called my mum and dad, told them the news and they couldn’t believe it either.

“We’ve got a big game now on Thursday against Slovenia (at Wembley) which we have to win to secure qualification (for next summer’s World Cup). I’ve only been around the boys for the last day or two but the mood in the camp seems positive, all the boys know what their jobs are and they’re ready to do it.

“It would be absolutely amazing if I were to make an appearance but obviously just being around the squad and even being called up in the first place is a huge honour and I’m more than proud to even say that. I’m just trying to get as much experience as possible around the boys, around the coaches and just trying to relish every single part of the opportunity.”

Back when Harry was plucked from our Academy to join in with England training in 2015 (pictured, below), he told us: “For me, the chance to train with top quality, world-class players who are legends of the Premier League and Champions League can only inspire me to get to where they are. I’d love to follow in their footsteps one day.”

This week he’s moving closer to fulfilling that dream.“It’s a strange transition, going from stepping in as one player in one training session to actually being selected – it’s a completely different step up and I’m loving it,” he said. “Whenever I get to be selected for England, whether it’s for the Under-16s or all the way up to the seniors, it’s obviously a real honour and it’s no different today.”

Of course, four of Harry’s current team-mates in Harry Kane – who manager Gareth Southgate this afternoon confirmed will captain the side against Slovenia – Dele Alli, Eric Dier and Kieran Trippier are also in the squad for tomorrow night’s match, followed by a trip to Lithuania in the final qualifier on Sunday.

“That makes it so much easier, having boys that you train with every day,” added ‘Winksy’. “All the lads have been great, they’ve been warm and welcomed me in nicely. It’s obviously a bit scary and nerve-wracking when you move into that senior set-up but when you have boys like that who can just help you slot in fairly easily, it makes you feel at home.”

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Sounds made up. Good lad.

 

[spids]

I am sure Winks realises that he is only called up because of suspensions and injuries. Critics should also not hold Winks accountable for a lack of English CMs available for selection. I am also pretty sure Winks will not play a significant role in this weeks' games for England. As such, it is much wiser of Southgate to call up a player he can see being one for the future rather than waste the time of someone like Noble who is nearer the end fo their career and would also not play (and ultimately whose ship has long since sailed when it comes to International football).

Having said all that, I am also sure Winks is good enough and confident enough to not be overawed by this call up and that this will be a major, major boost for him. I can just imagine Pochetino giving him a big bear hug and whispering in his ear "You will be an England player for the next 10 years, the world is now your stage". Winks will now be champing at the bit to force his way into the squad for the World Cup and I expect this to give him an extra 10% boost in his performances for us. If Dembele continues to have injury problems I am sure that Winks will be a major player for us this season.

 

[rabbikeane]

Well, might be just a filler these games. But I do believe Winks is England's only hope of having a good tournament next summer. Midfield won't work without him, England doesn't have others that can get that midfield going - only donkeys

 

[thekneaf]

Well, might be just a filler these games. But I do believe Winks is England's only hope of having a good tournament next summer. Midfield won't work without him, England doesn't have others that can get that midfield going - only donkeys

Agree on Winks, Lallana will also be important. Both players who know how to keep a ball moving. Dier, Winks and Lallana would be a decent, but not world beating midfield.

 

[hughy]

Agree on Winks, Lallana will also be important. Both players who know how to keep a ball moving. Dier, Winks and Lallana would be a decent, but not world beating midfield.

With Alli, Rashford and Kane ahead of them I like the look of that midfield.

It will never happen though, because Gareth Southgate.

 

[yankspurs]

Love Winks and im happy for him but he's rarely played for us this season and played half the season last year due to injury. Alittle baffling that he's gotten the call instead of someone like Tom Davies, to be honest.

But they should both be on it over guys like Delph and Livermore

 

[rabbikeane]

Baffling that Southgate has called him up before Davies yes, but he's far better than Davies and more the type England need. Don't forget that Davies struggle to get into a weak Everton side as well, and have played fairly poor this season.
Davies work hard, goes on lots of runs and make people excited - England side is full of those types already.
Need a thinker, a passer, someone with vision who keep the ball flow.

 

[JUSTINSIGNAL]

http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/harry-winks-on-england-at-hotspur-way-041017/

FROM ‘EXTRA’ TO ENGLAND SQUAD MEMBER IN TWO YEARS - WINKS ON ‘SURREAL’ THREE LIONS CHANCE

Posted on 4 October 2017 - 17:48

In November, 2015, Harry Winks was drafted in as a spare body to make up the numbers in England’s training session at Hotspur Way.

Today, less than two years later, he trained with them at our Enfield base again, for real this time, as an active member of the squad in advance of two decisive World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Lithuania.

No wonder our home-grown midfielder couldn’t keep the smile off his face when we caught up with him this afternoon, shortly after the Three Lions’ session!

“It’s brilliant, a dream come true to actually train with the boys as part of the squad,” said the 21-year-old midfielder, who impressed from the start against APOEL and Huddersfield Town last week before linking up initially with England Under-21s at St George’s Park, then being promoted to the senior squad on Monday night following the withdrawal of Fabian Delph and Phil Jones.

“It is still a bit surreal now. I met with the Under-21s on Sunday night, I trained with them Monday morning and then I found out shortly afterwards that I was with the seniors. It all happened so quickly, so sharply, and I’m still trying to get my head around it! I was obviously gobsmacked, over the moon. I got on the phone, called my mum and dad, told them the news and they couldn’t believe it either.

“We’ve got a big game now on Thursday against Slovenia (at Wembley) which we have to win to secure qualification (for next summer’s World Cup). I’ve only been around the boys for the last day or two but the mood in the camp seems positive, all the boys know what their jobs are and they’re ready to do it.

“It would be absolutely amazing if I were to make an appearance but obviously just being around the squad and even being called up in the first place is a huge honour and I’m more than proud to even say that. I’m just trying to get as much experience as possible around the boys, around the coaches and just trying to relish every single part of the opportunity.”

Back when Harry was plucked from our Academy to join in with England training in 2015 (pictured, below), he told us: “For me, the chance to train with top quality, world-class players who are legends of the Premier League and Champions League can only inspire me to get to where they are. I’d love to follow in their footsteps one day.”

This week he’s moving closer to fulfilling that dream.“It’s a strange transition, going from stepping in as one player in one training session to actually being selected – it’s a completely different step up and I’m loving it,” he said. “Whenever I get to be selected for England, whether it’s for the Under-16s or all the way up to the seniors, it’s obviously a real honour and it’s no different today.”

Of course, four of Harry’s current team-mates in Harry Kane – who manager Gareth Southgate this afternoon confirmed will captain the side against Slovenia – Dele Alli, Eric Dier and Kieran Trippier are also in the squad for tomorrow night’s match, followed by a trip to Lithuania in the final qualifier on Sunday.

“That makes it so much easier, having boys that you train with every day,” added ‘Winksy’. “All the lads have been great, they’ve been warm and welcomed me in nicely. It’s obviously a bit scary and nerve-wracking when you move into that senior set-up but when you have boys like that who can just help you slot in fairly easily, it makes you feel at home.”

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Sounds made up. Good lad.

You can't help but love 'Winksy'. Just comes across as a really nice grounded lad.

 

[Kiedis]

The typical thing an English international manager would do would be to call up Tom Davies. "Exciting" high energy player that got some goals and assists last season and quite a bit of hype.

Winks, however, is quite frankly on another level. It's clear that many of our own supporters still underestimate just how good he is. The only baffling thing about his selection is that you wouldn't expect Southgate to be so sensible.

 

[SpursSince1980]

Delighted for him on one hand, and also perturbed by the paucity of experienced and talented English midfielders at the moment. Speaks volumes about the general state and style of the PL that there are so few, truly talented and experienced options available. Taking nothing away from Winks, whom I thought at the beginning of the season might be a dark horse to sneak into the England World Cup,squad in 2018. Clearly, he has a bundle of talent, and better yet, an unfathomably outstanding young coach and mentor in Pochetino, who'll help him achieve his goals. But if this had been ten years ago, I don't think we would have seen him near this squad until he was 23 or so. A firmly established PL starter, with CL experience and a demonstrated ability to compete at the very highest levels.

I truly wish the best for the lad. For if enthusiasm and dedication alone were enough to propel a young precocious talent to excellence, he'd reach the highest pinnacle without a shadow of doubt! I sincerely hopes it works out well for him and it had a positive impact on his self belief as ultimately, it's our team that reaps the ultimate benefits.

A word on this decision from Southgate: To date, I've not been particularly impressed by his team selections or tactics. But I believe there is potential and a sincere thirst to learn. The selection of Winksy is interesting, insomuch that it speaks volumes about long term planning, over short term needs. What I mean by that, is if this had been in the hands of Hodgson, I assume he would have given Noble a call. And yes, he's a rather odious little scrote, but that aside, he's probably better prepared to play at this level than Winks. Far more experienced, and frankly, has earned the right. However, Southgate clearly sees no point in making any type of investment in him, and would rather promote a player with potential... See how they do, cope, and integrate with the Big Boys. That type of decision is impressive in my humble opinion, and I commend Sothgate for taking a risk on the kid.

Fingers crossed for all involved.

 

[Everlasting Seconds]

As much as I don't care about the English national team at all, Winks fully deserve this and is absolutely capable enough to be an international. If Eric Dier is an England international (and Jake Livermore, too), there is nothing wrong with the selection of Winks.

 

[JimmyG2]

Like the boy.
Delighted for him.
Nothing in his temperament
to indicate that he will be phased by this.
Doubt if he will even get on frankly
but the involvement will do him the world of good.
But for injury would have been a regular starter
by now for one of the top teams in the country.

Rate Tom Davies too but not as highly as the other Harry.