Some Spurs fans were left pleasantly surprised by Harry Winks’ impressive cameo of the bench against Vitesse Arnhem in Antonio Conte’s first game in charge.
Winks struggled for game time under Nuno Espirito Santo this season just as he did under Jose Mourinho last campaign.
The 25-year-old has been linked with a move away from his boyhood club in January, with Aston Villa and Everton alleged to be the front-runners for his signature.
The midfielder came for Oliver Skipp in the 73rd minute against Vitesse as Conte made a triple substitution following Cristian Romero’s sending off. The 25-year-old picked up the ball in tight areas and constantly moved the team up the pitch.
He also showcased his passing range against the Eredivisie side rather than taking conservative options in possession as he has too often over recent times.
Some Tottenham fans were overjoyed to see Winks’ performance, with many wondering if the England international could be transformed under Conte’s stewardship.
Harry winks last night btw. Conte has transformed him already. Something big is coming.
— Spurs Dreamer (@spursdreams) November 5, 2021
I’m so ready for Conte to turn Harry Winks into the English Barella pic.twitter.com/iUSu6BvKTH
— Taylor – TL 🌟🇮🇹 (@ThfcTL) November 4, 2021
Harry winks came on and turned into prime iniesta 😂 #conteeffect #thfc #coys
— Jordan Wright (@Jord_w_123) November 4, 2021
I did say Winks could be a winner under Conte…very early days of course and absolutely nothing to go off but he is a player made for Conte’s patterns based football.
— Harry Brooks (@HB_HeadCoach) November 4, 2021
If only he could do this on a consistent level every game we would have some player
— Shay🇮🇹 (@ShayTHFC) November 4, 2021
I thought Lloris had a great game. Emerson really grew into it I think he’ll benefit massively from Conte. Regulion similar. Kane did well winning lots of fouls. Ndombele and Winks were great cameos off the bench as well honestly.
— Spurs ITK hub (@SpursITKhub) November 4, 2021
I’m going to put my neck on the line and say Harry Winks will be massive for us under Conte #COYS #THFC
— Paul (@PReddog84) November 5, 2021
i honestly have hope for winks this season, i think being under conte will do him some good🙏🙏 https://t.co/VVVxqQP04m
— deema (@vikncity) November 5, 2021
Winks balled out last night I'm actaully shook . Conte might be the greatest coach of all time #spurs #conte
— xOGxA'challa (@xOGxKing) November 5, 2021
Spurs Web Opinion
Winks was never as bad a player as many Spurs fans seemed to think. He clearly has some useful attributes and it was evident that his confidence had been shot to pieces over the last couple of years. I certainly would not rule out the possibility of Winks getting a lot of game time under Conte.
When the Italian uses a 3-5-2 (instead of the 3-4-3 he used against Vitesse), he usually prefers his deepest midfielder to not just be a destroyer but to also receive possession in tight areas and move the ball forward.
Winks is better at doing that than either Skipp or Hojbjerg. However, I suspect that is an area the club will look to strengthen in January.
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