Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Harry Winks has been called up by England for the first time.
Harry Winks of Tottenham Hotspur
Hull City midfielder Ryan Mason has told Sky Sports’ The Debate that he thinks Tottenham’s Harry Winks can go a long way in the game – and is playing under the perfect manager in Mauricio Pochettino.
Spurs have been giving opportunities to young players under Pochettino’s stewardship, with the likes of Dele Alli, Eric Dier and Harry Kane all becoming key figures in North London having emerged under the Spurs boss.
Now, the next crop of youngsters are emerging, with Kyle Walker-Peters showing potential, whilst Josh Onomah and Cameron Carter-Vickers are out on loan with Aston Villa and Sheffield United respectively.
The next big star appears to be Harry Winks, with the midfielder recently returning to full fitness after an ankle injury, and playing a key role in wins over APOEL Nicosia and Huddersfield Town over the last week.
The 21-year-old is now approaching 50 appearances for Tottenham, and having been earmarked as the future of the Spurs midfield thanks to his passing range, his poise on the ball and his vision, he looks set for stardom.
On Monday, an injury to Fabian Delph meant that England had a spot for another call-up, and they chose to hand Winks his first England call-up in a move that Tottenham fans absolutely loved – even if rival fans maybe don’t view Winks quite as highly as Spurs fans do.
Now, Ryan Mason – a former Spurs and England midfielder – has told Sky Sports’ The Debate that he thinks anybody playing for a top club has a chance of an England call-up, but thinks Winks has deserved an opportunity having taken his chances with Tottenham.
Ryan Mason of Hull City
Mason added that he thinks up-and-coming Spurs ace Winks can ‘go a long way’ under Pochettino, with Spurs having the ideal coaching staff to help him develop, noting that the midfielder doesn’t yet need 35-40 starts a season, with 20 starts a ‘great season’ for him.
“I think anyone playing in a top six Premier League team is in with a shout,” said Mason. “With the influx of foreign players at the moment, it’s probably more regular that if you are in one of those team getting games, then it’s more likely that you will be called up. There are a few injuries, and I think Winks has done well, he’s taken his chances when he’s got them, and I’m sure he’ll enjoy the moment and treasure it.”
“He can go a long way. He’s not quite at the point where he needs 35-40 games a season, he’s still young. Winks is in that position where he’s still learning and I think he’s under the best management and coaching team to progress as a player. For him, 20 starts a season and 15-20 [appearances] off the bench is a great season for him, and I think we’re really seeing him develop into a good player,” he added.
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