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.
