Tottenham Hotspur continue to develop young players, with Harry Winks starring this season.
Spurs remain top four contenders under Mauricio Pochettino, but a shaky run of form in October and November means that they are some way off top spot in the Premier League.
Pochettino will again be targeting Champions League qualification, and whilst this season’s Champions League campaign ended in disaster, that’s certainly where Spurs want to be – and with a host of key players tied down to new contracts, Spurs look to be set up for the future.
General View of White Hart Lane
Pochettino continues to place strong emphasis on just that; the future. His reign at White Hart Lane has been defined by his development of young, English players, as the likes of Eric Dier, Dele Alli and Harry Kane have all thrived under him, becoming England internationals.
The Spurs boss now has another young player making an impact, as midfielder Harry Winks has burst onto the scene this season.
Tottenham’s Harry Winks celebrates scoring against West Ham
Winks, 20, has come up through the ranks with his boyhood club, and was handed a shock full Premier League debut in a London derby against West Ham United in November.
The midfielder enjoyed a dream start as he scored to make it 1-1 before Spurs went on to win 3-2, and has not only now made 10 Premier League appearances this season, but also played four times in the Champions League.
Winks faces strong competition for places in midfield, given that Pochettino has the likes of Mousa Dembele, Victor Wanyama and Dele Alli at his disposal, but Winks is making a strong claim to play regularly this season and beyond.
The challenge for Winks will be to find consistency and continue developing, as he’ll be only too aware of how fellow former youth products Ryan Mason and Tom Carroll failed to become first-team regulars at Tottenham, but it’s been a great start for Winks – and for that, he’s Tottenham’s Young Player of the Season so far.
Manager’s verdict
“I am happy with Harry Winks. I think he’s doing well,” Pochettino told the Tottenham Journal earlier this season. “The pre-season was good, he showed very good skills. For me he’s a trusted player. He’s very young, he’s coming through the academy and he will be a very important player for us in the future,” he added.
What have you thought of Winks’ performances this season?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
