Harry Winks makes feelings on Tottenham Hotspur teammate Fernando Llorente clear

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The Spurs academy graduate is happy with Llorente’s perseverance and exploits amid “some difficult times”.

Harry Winks has praised his Tottenham Hotspur teammate Fernando Llorente for his perseverance and mental strength in the face of “some difficult times”.

The Spaniard’s Spurs spell has largely seen him play second fiddle to the likes of Harry Kane, as evidenced by his modest tally of 49 club appearances since his summer 2017 move from Swansea City (Transfermarkt).

However, Llorente has started the last three Premier League games for Tottenham, all three of which have resulted in wins, and has contributed to those with one goal and one assist (Transfermarkt).

He scored the late winner against Watford last midweek before setting up Son Heung-min to do likewise in the club’s 1-0 triumph over Newcastle United on Saturday, and Winks was eager to praise the veteran striker.

“He’s someone who is fantastic at persevering,” Winks told the official Spurs website. “He’s perhaps had some difficult times here and there, but it just shows how far he’s come, how mentally strong he is because he’s been fantastic for us.

The Tottenham academy graduate also praised Llorente for his all-round traits, which have benefited the team besides from his goalscoring.

“He offers more than goals – he holds the ball up and he’s a big focal point for us,” added Winks. “He offers a different dimension going forward and on Saturday when he came on, he was key in holding the ball up and getting the assist.”

Although Spurs have suffered some personnel issues in recent weeks, not least Kane and Dele Alli’s injuries plus Son’s absence for South Korea duty, and have suffered domestic cup exits, they remain in contention for the Premier League and Champions League.

With players like Llorente stepping up to the plate and getting recognition from their fellow teammates, it suggests a good, strong dressing room, which can only be a good thing as the season begins edging into the business end.