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Conte lauds Winks despite Tottenham man not playing vs Brighton
Antonio Conte has insisted that Harry Winks must not be forgotten when asked about the performance of Rodrigo Bentancur in Tottenham Hotspur’s impressive win at Brighton on Wednesday – .
Bentancur has certainly established as a first-choice following his move during the January transfer window. He set up Spurs’ second goal in their 2-0 victory over the Seagulls.
His form has relegated Winks to the periphery of the squad in more recent times. He has been an unused substitute in three of their last six Premier League games, while only getting two minutes against Manchester United at the weekend.
Conte was asked about Bentancur’s display at the Amex Stadium. And interestingly, the Tottenham boss was keen to mention Winks in his answer.
“We needed to have a player like Rodrigo. Don’t forget Winksy because he is a reliable player and improved a lot and also Kulusevski is showing to be a fantastic prospect,” he said, .
“We are talking about a player that is 22-years-old but you can see that he is strong physically, good technique, talent and they are helping us a lot.”
Winks heading into pivotal moment in Tottenham career
It has been frustrating for Winks at Tottenham lately. He was excellent in the win at Leeds in February. But that was his only 90 minutes in the last month.
He currently finds himself as third-choice behind Bentancur and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. And his place in the pecking order is likely to come under further scrutiny once Oliver Skipp returns from injury.
Right now, it is hard to see Winks playing a lot more for Tottenham before the campaign concludes. Certainly, it currently appears that he is relying on injury problems and suspensions to get a proper chance.
It may be a shame for the 26-year-old. He seemed to fight his way into Conte’s plans in the weeks following his appointment. And the Italian put an end to any speculation about his future ahead of the January transfer window.
Now however, his future may become a talking point once again. Winks may want assurances if he is to stay at Tottenham.
Unfortunately, it is hard to now see Conte being able to provide those assurances.