Harry Winks reveals his biggest influence as Tottenham Hotspur | OneFootball

Harry Winks has revealed the key role Andros Townsend played in his first few months with the Tottenham first team.

Winks, now 22, was just 18 when he first started training with the senior squad at Spurs whilst Townsend was then one of the north London side’s more established attackers.

After falling out of favour with coach Mauricio Pochettino though, Townsend went on to Newcastle before eventually signing for Crystal Palace in 2016.

Tottenham face Palace on Saturday at Selhurst Park, and Winks has reflected on his friendship with the English winger and his influence in those early days.

“As an academy player coming through, it’s always difficult,” Winks told the Evening Standard.

“New players being brought in ahead of you and there are existing players who are more experienced than you.

“It’s always nice to have someone who knows where you’re coming from, knows where you’ve been and can help you settle in.

“Andros was important for me when I was coming through the academy and getting into the first team.

“He was a big part of helping me settle in and integrate with the lads. He’s a great guy and I’ve got nothing but respect for him.”

Winks, having started in Spurs’ 2-1 win over PSV on Tuesday, is in line to keep his place in midfield this weekend following the news that Mousa Dembélé will miss the next eight weeks with ankle ligament damage.