Erik Lamela has not had the best of starts at Tottenham Hotspur. He’s been injury-prone since his debut which led to less playing time and even fewer chances to prove himself. It was only during the 2014-15 season that Lamela started showing certain signs that seemed to point out to the fact that he does have potential, and also that he is working towards showing everybody that he has potential. However, it did not seem convincing enough and people wanted more.
It was in the opening game against Everton for this new season that Erik Lamela has finally been regarded as a danger. Being a regular full-time starter for two years now, Lamela has gradually come into the category of one of Tottenham’s better players.
It was because of his well-timed plays today that Spurs were able to draw with Everton. To be very honest, he was impressive last season too and that led to the belief that the 2016-17 season may just be the season where Lamela plays fully up to his true potential. After today’s opening game and scoring the goal, it seems like Lamela is right on track to moving forward and continuing on the same momentum he had least season.
As far as his recent Premier League stats go, Lamela has been involved in seven goals in the past seven games, dating back to April of this year, by scoring three goals and setting-up four assists.
His pre-season games were also an indication of the fact that he is here to make his presence felt. For example, in the game against Inter Milan, Lamela played a top-notch curling strike that screamed class, and also helped set-up two other goals in that game. That amazing display was in addition to his earlier goal against Juventus during their pre-season tour in Australia.
Although it is too early to dub him as Spurs’ player to watch out for, there’s no reason why it can’t be after what he has done the past two seasons and after beginning this year with a much-needed goal for Spurs. In fact, he might just match his output of 11 goals and 10 assists last term, or maybe even do better this season.
However, there’s still something he needs to work on, and that is his finishing ability. As mentioned, he did score ten goals last season, but he could have scored a lot more had he taken more of his chances. If only he learns how to be more challenging and risky, he might even surpass the likes of Harry Kane, or at least be regarded as an equal.
He is a tricky attacker and often finds himself through on goal, but most of the time, it turns into a miss or a weak shot or flies off at an awkward angle or somehow gets into the goalkeeper’s arms.
Having said all that, in the present, he’s in a run of goal-scoring form and has scored 3 times in 4 games, if you take into consideration his performances in the pre-season games as well. His header against Everton displayed his strength and movement as he muscled his way in between two Everton defenders to put in a header past Stekelenburg.
The fans are happy with his performance and if Twitter is anything to go by, many supporters feel like this is the season that Lamela will take his game to the next level, and his years of hard work are finally starting to pay off. The fact that he didn’t have that much possession at Goodison Park and still managed to score a goal, shows exactly how focused and determined he is to be the best that he can be.
Good article btw. I totally agree though. As a melbournian i saw spurs at training and their two matches against Atletico and Juventus. Erik Lamela looked the best player on the pitch on all occasions. He’s matured as a player. Love Erik. Legend.
Should Kane has decided to pass the ball to the wide-open Erik instead of shooting at tight angles on multiple occasions last season, Erik would already got 15goals or more under his belt.