Pundit tells Tottenham Winks is ‘brilliant’ and ‘tailor-made’ for Conte’s system after transfer U-turn
Alex McLeish has insisted Harry Winks is “tailor-made” for Tottenham after Antonio Conte ruled out an exit this month.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed it was “strange” to hear talk of the 25-year-old potentially leaving in recent months.
As quoted by the Evening Standard (December 30) last week, Conte confirmed Winks would remain at Spurs during the winter window.
The Italian boss named the England international as a “reliable” player and someone he can “count on”.
As quoted by Eurosport back in October, Winks hinted at talks over a potential move due to his lack of game time under Nuno Espirito Santo.
However, McLeish admitted it is no surprise the midfielder is already a favourite of Conte.
“I always felt it was a strange one that Harry Winks was destined to leave Spurs,” McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“I feel he is tailor-made for them. Back in the day we were discussing his brilliant form and then all of a sudden he disappeared from one or two manager’s thoughts.
“I can see why Conte likes him, because of his industry. He’s a vital cog to the team, he get about his job without a lot of fuss.
“We’ve described Harry for months before and were very surprised when we thought he’d been phased out a wee bit.
“It’s no surprise to me, the way Conte sets up his teams, that Winks is a part of it.”
Winks has played 14 times across all competitions this season, with eight of those appearances coming since Conte’s arrival.
However, he is still not a regular among the starting XI, with three starts in eight games under the Italian.
In other news, pundit claims Conte “promised £100million” signings after recent Tottenham reveal.