[ad_pod ]Times journalist Jonathan Northcroft suggested on his official Twitter account on Wednesday night that Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Harry Winks should now be considered as a major player.

What's the word, then?

Well, despite now being 23 years of age and having shone on occasions for Spurs previously, he had struggled to hold down a regular spot in the centre of the park for the north London outfit – until this season that is.

Injuries to the likes of Eric Dier, Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele – who of course departed for China in January – have given him that opportunity though, and he has taken it with both hands.

Winks was named in the starting XI against the Bundesliga leaders – making his 35th appearance of the campaign as a result – and he impressed.

His contribution certainly didn’t go unnoticed by Northcroft, who wrote on Twitter: "Sancho showed a few glimpses of the major player he can become. Harry Winks showed he might well be already there."

Is he right?

It would be hard to disagree.

The 23-year-old has great ability on the ball, good energy and is capable of winning the ball back for Mauricio Pochettino's men.

Despite his somewhat tender years Winks also has the ability to dictate play – a trait that is important in modern-day football – and he looks set to be the next example of a younger player shining under the leadership of the Argentine.

The England midfielder's game isn't completely perfect however, and in time he will surely want to add goals and assists from his position – he only has one of the former and none of the latter so far this term.