3 players who have disappointed for Tottenham Hotspur so far this season

#2 Harry Winks

Winks has largely flattered to deceive, despite previously showing some signs of promise

Two seasons ago, Harry Winks started against Champions League winners Real Madrid in both of Tottenham Hostpur's Group H encounters and although he was already an established, promising squad member, a star was born.

Solid but unspectacular, his composure on the ball was enough for fans to crown him as their new midfield star: Jack Wilshere and Steven Gerrard all in one.

Or so everyone thought. He's been trying and currently struggling to live up to such high expectations. He made his England debut the following month in a World Cup qualifier and while multiple midfield options were at Gareth Southgate's disposal, Winks continued to feature in his plans before an ankle injury derailed his campaign.

Last season it was more of the same, although groin surgery saw him sidelined from March 2019 onwards. Already you can see a pattern emerging and although he's been steady, Winks hasn't kicked on in the manner many expected him to - especially after that evening at the Bernabeu.

Not defensively reliable enough to play in a holding role by himself, he often plays too conservatively to warrant more creative responsibility further forward - completely different to Moussa Sissoko, Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso.

His tackling is unconvincing, having already been booked on four occasions in 11 appearances (PL and UCL) this term, while averaging 0.7 key passes and dribbles per game. 1.5 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game aside, those contributions just aren't good enough. If you try comparing him to Ndombele and Sissoko for example, you'd further understand the fact he doesn't do enough to warrant such hype.

The Ndombele-Sissoko partnership was preferred to Winks in Pochettino's 4-2-3-1 on Sunday, proving he's right to be wary, with competition for places fierce as Spurs look to arrest such frustrating form. Winks must do more, or face an extended spell out-of-favour - especially with Lo Celso's return from injury and Eric Dier eager for more minutes.