Harry Winks’ Tottenham woes continue to rumble on. Having gone from starting the Lilywhites’ first three games to failing to feature in the next eight, it would seem that Winks is not Jose Mourinho’s preferred archetypal midfielder – and that could be of immense benefit to Everton.
Analysis by The Athletic notes ‘lightweight, nimble midfielder’ that was ‘feared’ as not being the robust, physical enforcer that is preferred by Jose Mourinho’s dogged disciplined units.
It is for this reason that one manager’s outcast can be another’s treasure; Everton themselves are well-stocked for physical midfielders in summer signings Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure, meaning that Winks could offer something new to Ancelotti’s plans.
The agile 24-year-old is equally noted as a player ‘whose game is based around quick passing and sharp movement’, rendering him as a nippy deeper-lying playmaker with the potential to string offensive moves together.
Given Everton’s lacklustre recent form and mediocre offensive displays, he could bounce off of an anchor man in midfielder with more defensive responsibility – offering a greater flexibility in midfield, especially in Ancelotti’s new 3-4-3 system.
As Winks continues to all down the pecking order, The Athletic has linked the dynamo with interest in Spain – though Everton’s interest appears to remain firm. His unsettled position could help a move to materialise.
Read Everton Verdict
Wink’s situation is evidently a complicated predicament.
However, just as he has the potential to re-integrate himself under Mourinho as the likes of Lo Celso, Ndombele and Aurier have done at Spurs, so too can he offer plenty of quality and potential to Ancelotti.
He remains a unique option compared to existing more defensively orientated options, and his unsettled nature is a boost for the Toffees.
