Harry Winks’ Dream Day for Tottenham is a Special Moment for Many
Harry Winks had a memorable first-ever Premier League start for Tottenham yesterday afternoon, something that he has been waiting for, for a very long time.
The young 20-year-old midfielder has already made his Premier League debut earlier this season against Liverpool as a late substitute. That one minute of playing time in a 1-1 draw would be one of many firsts for Harry Winks this season.
That Premier League debut left Harry Winks in awe. He had worked so hard to get the opportunity and wanted more. He continued to put in the hard work and eventually made his first start for the team in the League Cup’s third round against Gillingham.
That would then be followed up with a Champions League appearance off the bench against CSKA Moscow. It was a sign that the wheels were starting to turn, as Winks was being handed opportunities over time.
For all of the first time experiences that “Winksy”, as he’s affectionately known, has received up to this point, yesterday’s Premier League start and goal would be the highlight right now this season.
So much so, that he’s at a loss for words.
“It’s all a bit of a blur to be fair!” Harry Winks said (via Tottenham’s official website). “What a game to be involved in and what a full debut to make. To win, that was the main thing, to get the three points, but to score as well, I can’t explain it…”
With a long-term contract extension signed back in September and Ryan Mason sold to Hull City over the summer, the writing was on the wall that eventually, Winks would be called upon to help Spurs this season.
Eight appearances is a big step up compared to minimal playing time in Europe the past two seasons. Winks’ ninth appearance was something he sort of knew beforehand.
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“It was Friday in training, we went to do a bit of shape and I couldn’t quite believe it, to be honest,” Winks said. “I was like ‘me?’. It was a bit of a shock but I prepared how I always do for a game and I couldn’t wait to get out there and play.”
All of that preparation for the past two seasons since getting called up by Mauricio Pochettino has finally paid off.
Not only did Harry Winks make a full start on Saturday, but he scored a goal. The equalizer nine minutes before the hour-mark to pull level with West Ham United.
That moment is something that he believes he can never repeat again. The emotions that came pouring out as he rushed straight to Tottenham’s bench to hug the 44-year-old gaffer.
“It went completely quiet and I just thought I had to tap it in. That is one moment in my life I can never repeat. I can’t explain it, being a Spurs fan as well, scoring the equaliser against West Ham, it was brilliant.”
“I could have kept running. I had a burst of energy and saw my family at the top [of the stand] as well and pointed to them. It was unbelievable.”
“He’s [Pochettino] given me my chance and put me into the first team. That was a ‘thank you’ to him for everything he’s done for me.”
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Many supporters have been waiting for Harry Winks to make his first-ever Premier League start and to score made it even better. No doubt, this is something that the 20-year-old hopes is the first of many, something the Tottenham faithful hope as well.
“I know I can’t get carried away. It’s one game, one goal. I’ve got to keep working hard, show the right attitude and keep my mentality right because things can change so quickly in football. I’ve got to keep my head, keep working hard and keep improving.” Harry Winks added.