The former Liverpool captain and legend has a fan in Winks who is in line to start against The Reds in the EFL Cup.
Tottenham’s Harry Winks in action with Gillingham’s Josh Wright
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Harry Winks has told the club’s official website in the wake of their clash with Liverpool his admiration for former Reds skipper Steven Gerrard.
Winks is set to start Tuesday evening’s EFL Cup tie at Anfield in what would be the 20-year-old’s second start of the season, after impressing in the 5-0 thrashing of Gillingham in the same competition.
Alongside fellow graduates Joshua Onomah and Cameron Carter-Vickers, Winks will hope to stake a claim for a regular spot in Mauricio Pochettino’s side and a good performance on Merseyside will give his manager food for thought with games against Leicester City and Arsenal on the horizon.
Tottenham’s Harry Winks
A tidy passer with a level-head and calm in possession, Winks has all the attributes needed to make an impact in the Tottenham first team, but it’s a former hero from his opponents that he cites as a huge inspiration.
Gerrard made over 700 appearances in 17 seasons in England before heading to LA Galaxy last year and is rightly regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his generation.
The 36-year-old led Liverpool to a Champions League title in 2005 amongst winning eight other trophies during his time at the club and Winks says his all-round ability should be a marker for young midfielders to follow.
Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard celebrates with former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers
“I’ve always looked up to Steven Gerrard since I was a kid,” he said. “He’s been a leader in his career, he’s stepped up when his team needs him and he’s technically top-class as well.
“I believe he’s a good example of an all-round midfielder that every young player could aspire to be like one day. I’m a massive Spurs fan and to play for your own club for as long as possible is obviously what you want to do.
“Hopefully I can also have a career to be proud of, but for Spurs.”
Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Winks during training
With a place in the quarter final of the League Cup at stake, Winks is aware of how dangerous Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool can be, but says Spurs can have faith in their own ability and topple The Reds to progress to the next round.
“We’re confident of winning every game. We’ve got a great squad, strength in depth, everyone’s fighting for a place and whoever plays, we’re going to aim to win the game.
“We’re very capable of doing so.”
Tottenham’s Danny Rose celebrates after Manchester City’s Aleksandar Kolarov scores an own goal and the first for Tottenham
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