Harry Winks finally made his debut for Sampdoria on Monday night as a substitute during a 1-0 defeat to Empoli, with the Tottenham man finally ridding himself of an injury nightmare – and Italian media have applauded the England ace.
Winks, 26, has been on the sidelines at Sampdoria ever since joining the club on a season-long loan from Spurs. But he was on the bench last week in a defeat to League leaders Napoli. On Monday, he came off the bench on 62 minutes.
It was the England international’s first-ever club appearance for a different side to Spurs. During his time at Tottenham, he has clocked up 203 appearances in all competitions. He will now be looking to finally show what he is capable of.
Winks has a contract at Spurs until the summer of 2024, he will be fighting for his future. Whether that is at Sampdoria, Spurs, or another club ahead of the window at the end of the season. He made a solid start, albeit six months late.
Replacing Bruno Amione, he could do little about Sampdoria losing to Empoli. The Italian side are staring relegation in the face, winning just nine points from 16 League games and sitting in 19th. Italian media have praised the midfielder.
Italian outlet Genova Today gave Spurs star Winks 6/10, reported on Monday night: “It is clear that he is a high-level player, even if he has always been injured so far. Good starting point to put order and some quality in midfield”.
Italian media applaud Tottenham ace Winks after Sampdoria debut
WhoScored report that Winks completed 16 of 19 passes, put three crosses into the box as Sampdoria chased an equaliser and even made four tackles – joint first for Sampdoria – despite only coming on for the last 28 minutes.
Can Winks help Sampdoria survive relegation? It is hardly a one-man job. But Sampdoria will be boosted with his return from injury. They are next in action this weekend, playing host to eighth-place Udinese on Sunday.
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