Harry Winks reveals he was a flag-bearer the last time Tottenham faced Real Madrid
Spurs have been handed a tricky draw against Real, Borussia Dortmund and APOEL in the Champions League
HARRY WINKS has revealed he was a FLAG-BEARER when Spurs last faced Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Mauricio Pochettino's side have been handed a nightmare draw against Real, Borussia Dortmund and APOEL.
And that means a return to Spurs for former players Gareth Bale and Luka Modric.
Midfielder Winks, 21, was 15 when Real won 1-0 in a second-leg clash with Spurs that ensured they made it through to the semi-finals 5-0 on aggregate.
Winks will never forget that day.
He told FourFourTwo: “I remember when I was in my scholarship, my first year, we were in the Champions League against [Real] Madrid at the Lane.
"I was actually one of the flag-bearers on the pitch, on the halfway line.
"It was a great moment, you know… just to see Cristiano Ronaldo, 10 yards away from me while I was waving the flag. It was very special for me.
"I always have that excitement when I play for Tottenham.
"Whenever I go out on the pitch I give it my all, because I’m a fan but also it’s just the way I am as a player."
Boss Poch has been keen for his best youngsters to develop at the club, despite recently allowing Josh Onomah join Aston Villa for the season.
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And Winks revealed that Poch has been key in his development.
He added: "My ambition has always been to play for Tottenham, so when the manager came in and told me that his ambition for me was to stay at the club, to train and fight for my position, it was a great thing to hear.
"I can’t thank him enough for what he’s done for me, in terms of giving me an opportunity.
"I know it’s difficult nowadays for a manager to give young players an opportunity, especially in the Premier League – such a cut-throat industry – so it’s tough to give trust to young players. For the manager to give you an opportunity like he has… I’ve got nothing but admiration for him.”
"I think my aggression off the ball [has improved], just in terms of pressing.
"He likes us to press and have a high-energy game. He’s taught me in training to play with that real intensity and make it difficult for your opponent.
"I’ve always found that the higher the intensity of my game, the better I play.”