Tottenham Pre-season Notes
Tom Carroll and Harry Winks
Both Tom Carroll and Harry Winks have improved since rejoining the first team. Due to Carroll’s age, 23, the time is now for him to make an impact and show that he belongs with Tottenham. So far, he’s shown enough; more playing time will help.
Because Carroll came on as a sub at the right midfield spot against Real Madrid and plenty of competition at the central midfield position, competing with Érik Lamela is his best shot at getting into the bench as one of Pochettino’s subs during this season.
Naturally a central midfielder, he’d have to be play out of position and learn on the fly (like Ryan Mason) while proving to be a stable backup right midfielder/winger.
With Andros Townsend’s situation still undecided and Aaron Lennon not returning, Tom Carroll should make it onto the first team easily barring some new signing.
For Harry Winks, he has come on as a sub for Dele Alli playing as a central midfielder.
He too is also 19-years-old like Alli, but could be just a bit farther from making it into Mauricio Pochettino’s first team. If no central midfielders are signed, then it could be possible that Harry Winks will join Dele Alli as two players competing alongside Ryan Mason for the starter and second-choice backup option.
Carroll and Winks are good passers, doing very well at one-two passing with teammates and moving the ball up the pitch even in tight spaces with defenders surrounding them.
At best they’re on the bench and come on as subs to help change the pace of the game with tired legs from opposing defenses. At worst, Winks is sent out on loan, and Carroll is permanently sold after not impressing Mauricio Pochettino.
Next: Honorable Mention: Eric Dier