Pochettino's 'Little Iniesta' Winks stakes a claim in Tottenham midfield
The ESPN FC crew discuss Harry Kane following his hat trick heroics in the Champions League.
Earlier this month, there were concerns about Harry Winks, who was still feeling pain in his ankle five months after his ligament injury at Burnley.
But he was finally able to complete 90 minutes for the first time against Barnsley last week and in Cyprus on Tuesday, it was as if the lay-off had never happened.
He delivered the kind of energetic, positive performance that had been his hallmark in a breakthrough season before he was taken off on a stretcher in agony at Turf Moor on April 1.
APOEL Nicosia were not the toughest of opponents, but Tottenham still laboured in the first half, missing the creativity of Dele Alli and particularly Christian Eriksen.
Nonetheless, Winks' incessant desire to get on the ball, use of possession, range of passing and ability to make driving runs ensured Spurs did not become bogged down and continued to probe for openings before getting their breakthrough with surprising ease as Toby Alderweireld freed Harry Kane.
It will surely not be long before Gareth Southgate calls the 21-year-old up to the senior national side to see whether the youngster's vigour and ability to dictate play with a high tempo can have a similar effect for England, helping to speed up their attacks and break down defensive opponents.
Such a player has been sorely needed for a while, a deep-lying playmaker who can complement the all-action styles of Eric Dier and Jordan Henderson by threading quick passes around in tight areas and dissecting organised defensive systems.
There were hopes at one stage that Jack Wilshere could provide the missing piece of the jigsaw for England, as a technical player capable of moving the ball on quickly in congested situations. But injuries and an inability to hold down a place with Arsenal have undermined his prospects of providing that missing link.
Winks is increasingly looking like the answer. He has Spanish blood through his grandparents and has a style reminiscent of the possession masters at Barcelona who have set the standard for the last decade.
It is believed Pochettino has referred to him as his "little Iniesta" and England could certainly use a player of that ilk, even if Winks has a very long way to go to be worthy of serious comparisons with such a decorated player.
The Spurs prodigy has a likeable confidence on and off the pitch -- when he speaks he does so intelligently and with bright enthusiasm, reflecting the way he plays the game.
He is always looking forward with the ball, always trying to feed it between the lines, but is not over-ambitious and will go sideways or back rather than attempting a low-percentage miracle pass -- an important balance to have. He is also deceptively strong for his size, which is crucial for anyone hoping to play in Mauricio Pochettino's midfield.
If he gets further opportunities in the Champions League and continues to impress against stiffer opponents it will be increasingly difficult for Southgate to overlook Winks -- especially if he gets a chance to face Real Madrid and holds his own.
And as the likes of Alli and Dier can attest, those who make early impressions with England can quickly become trusted regulars.
Winks is only knocking on the door at the moment and still finds himself on the outside, but those who watch him regularly and appreciate his qualities would hardly be stunned if, in eight months' time, he was being included in Southgate's World Cup squad.
Harry Winks impressed as Tottenham swept APOEL aside in the Champions League on Tuesday.
It may seem far-fetched at the moment given he is yet to even get a call-up, but now he is returning to full fitness and top form it does not seem the most ridiculous bet either.
Much may depend on Mousa Dembele's ongoing injury issues and how often he is able to play. Had the Belgian been fit to face APOEL, it is debatable whether Winks would have had his chance to shine -- and Victor Wanyama's absence has also left Pochettino particularly short of central midfielders recently.
There is likely to be greater competition for places after the upcoming international break, but Winks took his chance on Tuesday and showcased his talent on the elite European stage.
APOEL may not be one of the biggest clubs on the continent, but for that very reason they set out to defend, frustrate and slow the game down while hitting their visitors on the break.
It is a scenario both Spurs and England are familiar with, a challenge they face time and again.
So, in that sense, it was perhaps a fitting audition for Winks as he eyes the step up to senior international level -- and one he seemed to pass with flying colours, even if Kane grabbed all the headlines with his hat trick.
Winks, and all those who believe he could make an impact for England, will just hope Southgate was watching.
Ben is ESPN FC's Tottenham blogger. Follow on Twitter: @BenPearceSpurs.
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Source: espn.co.uk
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