Strange feels about this. I really like Winks, he's a tidy player who is better than most under pressure. He's home-grown, a spurs supporter, hugely passionate and tries hard. His emotions when he's scored for us give me happy tears. Of course, he's had a lot of problems with injuries and hasn't done nearly enough to earn the Iniesta tag. I do think he's been outstanding sometimes, but kept getting crocked just when it looked like something good was going to come of him. He's got some class, but does he have enough?
If we sold him to Villa, I could live with that. It would be a sign from the upper tiers that he wasn't good enough. But, if we were to sell him to a 'better team' (*cough*), that says he deserves a chance. I definitely think we should see him get a season-long run in the first team with someone else taking over the lion's share of defensive duties. Winks-Skipp wasn't the trial he needed, but I can't be arsed making that argument, so let's just say I'm interested in seeing Winks-PEH.
People seem to think that he's the 'safe passing' type of player, forgetting the fact that if he wasn't doing what he was TOLD TO DO, he wouldn't be on the pitch! So, let's see how he performs when he's told to do something different. I think if he starts to hone/clip in those attacking passes we'll have some sexy football. If PEH and Winks doesn't work, then enough's enough (assuming PEH actually plays more of the CDM role).
Note: If Sissoko forms part of the triangle he has to rely on for outlet, then we run the experiment for twice as long.