Will Lamela ever replace Bale?

Nah.

Don't want him to replace that big-eared
Just want him to live up to his billing in which case it' would be money well spent

No he definitely wont, I dont think many players for us ever will.

The marker should be if he hits VDV heights, again I am not sure.

He does not have the physique, power or pace of Bale, he is more skilful though and time will tell if he ever truly gets to grips with the rigours of the PL.

We paid 30m euros (around £23.5m) for Lamela, not the £30m that is regularly misquoted by the sensationalist and agenda driven media.

Still about £15m too much Billy <ok€

Lads

Was definitely too much money, I'm still looking at him recreating his Europa form in the league.. he just always wants too much time on the ball.

He'll never be the same as Bale but if his attitudes right and he gets a bit of confidence behind him you never know

NO NO NO

I don't think comparisons with Bale are fair - although they play a nominally similar position, they are completely different types of player. Bale is a natural wideman who has found a way to use his talents to drive inside, whereas Lamela was a 10 pre-Roma, a position I think he will gravitate towards as he matures.

We massively overpaid for him - we got mugged. Thats the sort of fee you I expect for Prem-proven, not a Serie A punt.

That being said, I think we have to treat this as his first season. At present he seems too weak on the ball. wants too many touches, and is prone to showboating.

As the season goes on I hope to see him get that physicality in to his game as he certainly has the talent, and learn when to do the tricks and when to be more direct.