Man of the match performance came from unlikely Tottenham player

Winks’ distribution pleasantly surprised

So often Winks has been criticized for consistently playing the safe, lateral ball. Winks turned that stereotype on its head in yesterday’s home draw. He played countless incisive through balls, with Harry Kane and Son Heung-min the main benefactors.

Winks knocked direct through balls into space, capitalizing on Liverpool’s high defensive line. He was also snappy in possession, firing forward with purpose a split second after receiving possession.

Winks directly contributed to both of Tottenham’s goals in wildly different ways. The first was thanks to a slide tackle in midfield, a hallmark Winks play. The second, though, has become an all-too-rare sight. The midfielder’s through ball to Son led to Tottenham’s equalizer. While fortune played a huge role in the goal, Winks’ showed the courage and confidence all afternoon to knock direct, incisive passes to the front men.

Many will point to the fact that Winks was up against a second-rate, beleaguered Liverpool midfield and defence. With Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Thiago all unavailable, Milner, Ibrahima Konaté and Tyler Morton, who made his Premier League debut, comprised the majority of Liverpool’s spine.

While Winks made the most of a favourable Liverpool lineup, he deserves a ton of credit for an altogether accomplished performance. A long road lies ahead if Winks is to once again become a regular member of Tottenham’s starting 11. But if he continues with performances like that, Conte will not hesitate to use him in key situations off the bench.

One match is not enough to solidify Winks’ future at Tottenham. But it is a strong, firm step in the right direction. Now it’s up to the 25-year-old to make a habit of it, so he doesn’t have to leave his boyhood club to resurrect his once flourishing career.