Article by Brent WeberErik Lamela was an impressive signing for Spurs. His signing came with loads of hype. The hype led to high expectations. Spur’s fans across the globe expected him to make an immediate impact and essentially be a replacement for Gareth Bale. I think our expectations were too high! Instead of making an impact, he is struggling to make the starting XI. However, I trust that AVB has a good plan for Lamela that will ultimately translate into results.
AVB appears to be using the same approach that he used with Lloris last season. I couldn’t understand why we would pay so much for a keeper if we didn’t intend to put him on the field. Lloris was the athletic, sweeper keeper AVB needed to play a high line defensive style. AVB proved to me that he had a well-conceived plan that slowly integrated Lloris into the club and into the starting XI. The slow transition allowed Lloris to slowly adjust to Premier League talent, AVB’s coaching style, and to his new teammates. His planned worked to perfection and now Lloris is one of the best keepers in the league.
There is no doubt that Lamela is talented. He is a naturally gifted player. He glides with the ball at his feet and shows glimpses of excellence. However, he is struggling to adjust to the physical nature of the Premier League. Osvaldo and Jovetic, similar to Lamela coming from the Serie A, have also struggled to make an impact for their new clubs. Rumours already exist that Osvaldo wants out of the BPL in January because of the physical style of play. Lamela needs time to adjust to the physical demands in the BPL!
I think AVB is doing the right thing with Lamela. The season is a marathon, not a sprint. AVB has sufficient wingers right now so there is no rush to force Lamela into the line-up. Although Lamela is most likely frustrated with his lack of playing time now, a slow transition will be better for his confidence and long term development. Erik will have plenty of opportunities to shine as the season progresses and I think he will be ready when needed most.
I know the fans are frustrated at the lack of results and lack of impact. We paid a record fee for Lamela’s potential, not just for short-term results. Be patient with Lamela and let AVB work his plan. Sometimes it just takes patience to turn potential into productivity!
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I'd like to see Lamela in the central role tonight with Eriksen left and Lennon right. Try him in a new position see how he does and also try adding a creator on the wing who can also play that inverted role. Treat tonight as a second chance of working out how to beat teams that defend in numbers.
ReplyDeleteI think Lamela should stay wide until he gets to grips with this. The center would be even more congested. Quality player - seen alot of him in italy - will DEFINATELY come good.
ReplyDeleteQuite simply Townsend has kept him out of the side so he can't get any rhythm. Lennon is now back to fitness and Siggy has been scoring from the left so he's down the pecking order. Lamela only need look at Dawson for some inspiration, how to get into the team
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of playing him at ten. From what ive seen of him so far he does not have the pace to go around a lb or a rb and get a ball in. He certainly has the close control and technique, similar to nani or ronaldo. The only reason he has not played more is because Townsend has been a revelation so im not sure we need to worry about this guy. Unleash him at ten and play eriken off the left and townsend/lennon off the right.
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