Tottenham's Harry Winks keen to learn from Mousa Dembele and Victor Wanyama partnership

Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images
Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images

Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks says Victor Wanyama's fledgling partnership with Mousa Dembele is aiding his development at White Hart Lane.

Winks has long been regarded as one of the most promising prospects in Tottenham's academy but has finally forced his way into Mauricio Pochettino's first-team fold this term.

The 20-year-old, who signed a new five-year deal in February, has made 32 appearances for the north Londoners this season and is believed to be on the cusp of a senior England call up.

Wanyama and Dembele remain ahead of Winks in the central midfield pecking order but the youngster has emerged as a serious option for Pochettino and is adamant the pair's presence is helping him to develop further.

“Victor and Mousa are top, top players - probably two of the best midfielders in the league," he told Tottenham's official website.

“They’re great guys off the pitch as well, not just on it.

"They’re brilliant with their advice and for me, just watching them on the bench and coming on alongside them, I’m learning all the time."

Pochettino has experimented with several formations this season but Spurs appear to be at their most solid when both Wanyama and Dembele are on the pitch.

Few players can match the Kenya international for physicality while Dembele has regularly been cited as the most talented player at Spurs by his teammates, which is an opinion Winks conforms to.

“Victor is obviously solid, he’s an absolute brute but he’s very, very good with the ball at his feet as well.

"[Dembele's] different class with his balance, his strength and his technique – he’s one of the best I’ve ever played with in my life.

“That makes them complement each other so well. You’ve got Victor who can sit and do the defensive side as well as join in attacks.

"Then you’ve got Mousa who can do both so I think they both balance each other’s games out very well,” Winks added.

Spurs currently occupy second place in the Premier League table and have an opportunity to strengthen their grip on a Champions League spot when they travel to Burnley on Saturday afternoon.