Club record signing Erik Lamela has struggled to live up to the hefty price tag Tottenham shelled out to bring him to London.
In the infamous 2013 summer spending spree, the former Roma winger arrived at White Harte Lane for almost £30m, with Gareth Bale sized boots to fill.
The Argentine international found it very difficult to cope with the hustle and bustle of the Premier League during his maiden season, but some improvement was offered last time out.
While not fully justifying his fee, such an improvement has to lead to excitement emanating out of the North London side. Transfer activity has been limited at the club this summer, but a rejuvenated Lamela is like a new signing. A cliché perhaps, but should he earn his spurs – the top four better look out.
The 23-year old returned to his second season in England a lot tougher. His 2.4 tackles per game easily surpassed the likes of Nacer Chadli and Andros Townsend, those who battle him for a first team place on the wings. The flimsy, deer-in-headlights like individual we saw arrive under Andre Villas-Boas is starting to get to grips with the physicality on the Premier League.
Compatriot Maurico Pochettino is widely known to employ an all action, high pressing approach on his sides, and it appears Lamela is beginning to reap the rewards. This tenacity affords him confidence on the ball – even he loses it, he will track back to recover possession.
When the £30m man battles the ball back off his opponents, his surging runs can shift game momentum. Known for his impressive dribbling ability, the counter attack can begin. With a poacher such as Harry Kane leading the line, Tottenham have two hotshots.
The willingness to track back is all very well, and will surely endear him to his manager, but what ‘Spurs fans want is attacking flair. Eight assists and five goals last season is not the form of a club record signing, but a vast improvement on last time out. More importantly still, the quality of his goals were mouth-watering.
A wonder goal against Burnley, cutting inside from the right and unleashing an unstoppable strike into the top corner, the ball almost seemed to gather flames as it rocketed past a helpless Tom Heaton.
And of course, we all remember THAT goal. A stunning rabona from the edge of the box in a Europa League clash against Asteras Tripolis showcased the player’s penchant for dazzling unpredictability. The true grit he has brought into his game since arriving in England balances nicely against his unquestionable skill with a ball at his feet.
Should he carry on with this upward trajectory of improvement, Lamela can offer Spurs genuine quality in the final third. Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane have their strengths, and could compliment the raging Argentine nicely.
Where Kane plunders and poaches, Eriksen calculates and creates. The unpredictability and tenacity of a Lamela on song gives the side a varied front line in their quest to reach the Champions League.
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