Pochettino Compares Harry Winks To Barcelona Legends Xavi And Andrés Iniesta

Oh, boy. Mauricio Pochettino has a lot of faith in Harry Winks to make such a bold claim.

The Tottenham Hotspur manager has compared the potential of the Spurs midfielder to former Barcelona duo Xavi and Andrés Iniesta.

"His characteristics are perfect. When we talk about midfielders like Xavi and Iniesta, he's like this type of player.

"He has this capacity, but he needs to take my words in a very positive way -- he needs a lot of work.

"He has the possibility and the potential, of course, but now it is up to him and we go again: mentality.

"In his mind, he is capable to learn about suffering: there never is enough training, always try to be better."

While some footballers have to deal with their managers criticising them in public, Winks has received one of the best -- and biggest -- endorsements he could have imagined.

But Pochettino wasn't done there.

Oh, no. He said the 22-year-old could become one of the best midfielders in England.

"Football must be his focus, not the business around football," he said.

"Maybe he will play at a very good level and be one of the best midfielders in England.

"If he wants to take my advice, take it. If people don't want to take it, we cannot help.

"But, of course, his potential is to be a very, very good player for England and Tottenham.

"First for Tottenham and then, if England believe that he can help them, for England, too."

That's some big boots to fill, Winks. No pressure, kid.

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