Winks salutes Mr Mo-tivator

‘JOSE’S PRIVATE PEP TALK PUT ROCKET UP’

little in and out. I had an honest chat with the manager and he told me what I needed to do.

“It wasn’t too in-depth, just an honest conversation, which I respect massively.

“It started with my training – just to up my whole level and intensity. I said I agreed and went back and did it.

“Since that conversation, I’ve upped my training levels and had a lot more minutes.

“I’ve been playing regularly, and that is all I want – to play 90 minutes every week for Tottenham. In the last couple of months, I’ve had that pleasure.

“But, like everyone, I still have to keep earning his trust because one or two poor performances and I could be back out. I never relax.”

It has been an impressive turnaround by Winks, but not one universally recognised.

But that is often the way, with the importance of the holding, possession-based midfielder frequently going under the radar.

Winks said: “Everybody talks about players such as Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick, but people like Carrick get a lot of recognition after they retire. They are more players’ players.

“Every team needs goalscorers, attacking players, players who can sweep up a ball, but every team also needs that someone who’s the link between defence and attack. “

The good news for injuryravaged Spurs, ahead of a crunch fortnight, is that Winks is feeling fitter than ever.

After today’s home clash against Wolves, the north Londoners host Norwich in the FA Cup and a week later go to Germany, needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit against RB Leipzig in the Champions League.

“We’re still in the FA Cup, the race for the top four and the Champions League,” he said.

“It will be a difficult ask to do well in all three – but that’s going to be our aim.”