Things are now starting to look up for Harry Winks after a nightmare start to his Sampdoria loan spell. Exiting Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at the end of August as he was one of four players not in Antonio Conte's 2022/23 plans, the midfielder headed to Italy in his quest to get his career back on track.
An opportunity for him to play week in, week out and rediscover his best form after playing a bit-part role under Tottenham's previous three managers, injury unfortunately dealt him a cruel blow. Undergoing ankle surgery in November to try and fix a persistent problem, the midfielder confirmed he was "absolutely gutted" that his issue resulted in surgery at a time when he was doing all he could to return to fitness and play for his new club.
Featuring in Sampdoria's matchday squad for the first time against Napoli at the start of January, the 26-year-old was an unused substitute in the matches against the league leaders and Fiorentina before his big chance finally arrived last Monday. Introduced from the bench for the final 28 minutes against Empoli, Winks made an impression in his limited time on the pitch by completing 16 of his 19 passes, putting in three crosses and winning five of his six ground duels.
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Earning a score of 6/10 for his performance from Genova Today, the Italian outlet believe Sampdoria have a good player on their hands and are expecting more from him in the future. They wrote: "It is clear that he is a high-level player, even if he has always been injured so far. Good starting point to put order and some quality in midfield."
Needing some quality in midfield with the Genoa-based club currently 19th and seven points behind Sassuolo just outside the Serie A drop zone, Winks has been handed his full Serie A bow in Sunday's lunchtime game against Udinese. Speaking ahead of the showdown, Blucerchiati boss Dejan Stankovic hailed his player for giving his all in his attempt to return to fitness after suffering so much since his summer switch.
“I’m pleased for Winks as he’s back playing football again," the Serbian told the Italian club's official website. "He’s suffered so much, but he’s given his all to get back and help the team out. I don’t want to heap the pressure on him because we can only get out of this situation as a squad.
"I can see it in everyone’s eyes that there’s a desire to turn the situation around. We’re in for a fight and we mustn’t let up for even a second.”
Sunday's game at Stadio Luigi Ferraris also sees Winks come up against fellow Tottenham player Destiny Udogie. Joining the Lilywhites from Udinese in August before being loaned straight back to the Serie A side, the talented left wing-back has impressed again with his attack-minded displays this campaign, registering two goals and two assists in his 15 appearances in the process.
Winks' start against Udinese could be the first of many to come as Stankovic looks to discover his first-choice midfield to help in their fight against the drop. Facing Champions League hopefuls Atalanta next weekend, February then kicks off with a vital game away at Monza before they entertain Inter Milan and Bologna at home.
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