Tottenham and Harry Winks Agree on New Deal
The 20-year-old central midfielder’s new deal with Tottenham is the first of many steps in securing a larger role with the club moving forward.
Adding to an increasing list of contract extensions under Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure, Harry Winks is the latest name to remain with Tottenham on a new deal until 2019; reported by the team’s official website.
Despite only making three senior appearances in total — all in the Europa League — this hasn’t deterred Winks.. Instead, what it has done is helped him remain committed and determined to continue working hard to earn a bigger role in Pochettino’s squad next season and beyond.
Related Story: Tottenham Should Have Loaned Harry Winks
Obviously it would have been better if Harry Winks was given a chance to go out on loan to gain experience rather than simply training with the first team this entire time. But even with a lack of playing time this season, the young central midfielder has already learned a lot when he spoke last December.
And now? It’s all about taking that next step in his career. Here’s what Harry Winks had to say when speaking with Spurs TV on Tottenham’s official website after signing a new deal.
“I’ve definitely progressed and I feel I’ve come a long way since the start of the season,” said Winks. “I’ve learned a lot from the manager, from the players and everyone around the club.”
“I’m really enjoying my time, loving it. I just want to take that next step now and that’s to play a few more minutes and generally kick on.”
It’s good to see that even at 20, Harry Winks is grounded to know that signing a contract extension doesn’t guarantee him a spot on the first team like Harry Kane or Ryan Mason. Both players who signed as youngsters climbed up the youth ranks but had to work hard through multiple loan spells before getting their chance.
Winks in a sense is different because he has never gone out on loan. But at the same time, he hasn’t been able to crack the first team. With two senior appearances in the Europa League and six games with the Under-21s this season, despite having plenty of talent, that alone hasn’t been enough just yet.
Overall though, he’s happy to just be in Mauricio Pochettino’s plans for the future.
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“I’m delighted. I’ll just continue focusing on my football, try to kick on and try to get into the squad.”
“I train every day with the players, I do exactly the same programme as them and I’m on the same schedule. Naturally, I’d love more minutes but I do believe the training and the hard work I’m putting in means I’m playing my part every day.”
“The manager trusts young players and on a personal level, I’m grateful for the chance he’s given me. From my point of view, I now have to repay that faith by playing well and when I get the opportunity, to make sure I take it.”
All that’s left of course is to finally put all that he has learned since being called up to the Argentine manager’s squad to begin this season and put it all to use. From the training ground to the pitch when he’s eventually called into action.
“Yes, I’m happy with what I’ve achieved so far, obviously I need to put that work into practice in games now and prove it on the pitch.”
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Here’s hoping that Harry Winks eventually gets some consistent playing time near the end of the season once it’s a lock that Tottenham are able to secure a Champions League qualification spot.
And with Mousa Dembélé and Ryan Mason suffering some knocks here and there this season, it’d be great to have another person competing with them and Tom Carroll so that this position has four players who can all play and rotate in and out.