For some reason, he's not playing as much this season which is not the time to call up a young player. He is a bit fiery and he's also very English. He plays at a very high tempo, always looking to move the ball forward, very fast. He tries the little flick and takes chances with his passing. His game is what makes the PL such a popular spectator experience. That's great when you're going to get the ball back in 30 seconds or less. It's more of a problem when the opposition aren't so cavalier with it.
I wouldn't say that he protects the ball for his team and provides an ability to keep possession, which is a large part of the game in international football. That inability is, partly, why England never look like getting anywhere near the final stages of big tournaments. It afflicts Tottenham in Europe as well. We often look a lot more controlled when Winks is on the pitch and that's probably why Southgate is very keen on him. He knows from seeing him come through the international youth teams that he can dictate the shape and pace of a game and that's very desirable.
Mauricio Pochettino doesn't get much wrong with young players and he really believes in 'Winksy' and I think Southgate is right to do so too. As a nation, we don't support our national team above our club loyalties anymore. So, our boy is going to be getting it in the neck from deluded Geordies, Mousers, Spammers and the rest. Still, if that lot had their way, we'd be building our team around players that are regulars for mid-table, mediocre sides that have no understanding of how to manage a game or themselves. Next, it'll be Andy Carroll for a recall.
