I was very excited when this guy joined. I watched a fair amount of Roma in 2012/13, and he was particularly good for a 20 year old. Everything he did was purposeful, always looking forward, always direct. He wasn't a winger who would take on his man all game, but he was always looking for space inside and when he got the ball he knew what to do with it.
However, having been given a proper chance so far this season, I'm really not sure if he'll ever make it in this league. Obviously he has talent - look at his goal in midweek - but, although the opposition doesn't really matter when it comes to special moments like that, all his best games have come in Europe and in pre-season friendlies. In the league, apart from QPR, he hasn't played that well, although he did make a key contribution against Arsenal. He comes inside a bit too regularly, and gets outmuscled when he inevitably is taking too long with his decision-making.
He's lucky that atm he doesn't have any real competition for his place, as Lennon has been hiding for the past few years and Townsend is awful. Saying that, however, I do think it's obvious that Lamela isn't really a wide player, and he's probably at his best in the middle.
Next season or, optimistically, this January, I think we need to buy a striker (Bony/Benteke), a creative CM (Parejo/Valero), and a fast winger on either side, as we lack width atm (Salah would have been perfect).
Hopefully he comes good
Erik Lamela
posted on 28/10/14
That's not how things work necessarily...
Chiriches would probably look really good in Spain or Italy
posted on 28/10/14
So could Townsend
I don't particularly rate him highly in fact I'd like two new wingers but ATM he's our player and I think he could be used better!
This one week Townsend on bench next week Lennon is just stupid!
posted on 28/10/14
Lamela needs time to progress, that's all. No one should be writing him off so early. This really is his first proper season to shine. Yeah his performances have been hit n miss. But he's already had 3 assists in the league, despite not scoring.
Let the man develop into a better player before we write him off. A certain Welshman started off as our jinx player and was well written off by many, before he came good. And I ain't talking about the legend that is Chris Gunther
posted on 28/10/14
Who's writting him off
Just because posters don't want him to start every game don't mean they are writing him off!
posted on 28/10/14
In defence of him, playing under 3 managers in his short time cannot help, especially as they have utilised him varying roles.
He seems to be expected to do a fair bit of defensive work, which he is awful at, so the system doesn't really suit him either.
However, even Gervinho looks a world beater at Roma, so you should take Lamela 's for there with caution.
posted on 28/10/14
DJ
Tbf only played under 2 managers as he was injured for the whole time Tim was manager!!
posted on 28/10/14
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 3 minutes ago
In defence of him, playing under 3 managers in his short time cannot help, especially as they have utilised him varying roles.
He seems to be expected to do a fair bit of defensive work, which he is awful at, so the system doesn't really suit him either.
However, even Gervinho looks a world beater at Roma, so you should take Lamela 's for there with caution.
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I tend to think Lamela will become a success with Spurs because his attitude appears to be spot on.
We've seen glimpses of his talent, but when things aren't going his way he hasn't hidden from matches and tries to make a difference. For instance the fact he even attempted the rabona shot, let alone pulled it off, when he was having a bit of a stinker fills me with confidence it will work out for him.
I'm also pretty sure there were photo's of him doing extra training post matches last season, by himself. He seems to have the right attitude and has the talent, so I am prepared to give him less flak than someone like Ade.
posted on 28/10/14
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 28/10/14
Trevor Sinclair scored and amazing goal once.
posted on 28/10/14
Lamela is trying too hard, he needs a PL goal desperately to settle him down