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I liked Erik Lamela before it was cool
- Thread starter SuprSi
- Start date
afsoc4life
Vedran Corluka
Funny enough on my PES 2016 Master League Erikson refused to sign a new contract and Gotze replaced him.
Spurs7891
Jermaine Jenas
A Complete Tactical Profile of Tottenham Hotspur Midfielder Erik Lamela
A year ago, Tottenham Hotspur attacking midfielder Erik Lamela returned from the Copa America with a lot to prove. The Argentinian's second season in the Premier League had seen him progress, but not quite to the extent that his place in Mauricio Pochettino's setup was secure.
Back in pre-season training already following another—this time more individually productive—Copa campaign with his country, this summer is looking like the first settled one of his Tottenham stay.
Lamela took his time getting to a point where he was tactically integral to the Tottenham team—or, if not integral, at least prominent in Pochettino's thinking.
The former Southampton manager arrived a year after his compatriot. Lamela had shown flashes of the quality that had convinced Spurs to pay Roma over £25 million for him, but in his admittedly rare early appearances, he looked unprepared for the pace and physicality of the English game.
Mauricio Pochettino has been patient with Lamela since becoming Tottenham boss and has got a good return from him.
Having spent the second half of that first season injured, he was raring to go upon the arrival of Pochettino. Things improved—making 45 appearances in all competitions—yet there was still the feeling there was more to come from Lamela.
The 2015-16 campaign proved that perception correct.
After a rough start following his late return from international duty, Lamela battled his way into form. An at-times scintillating display in the 4-1 win over Emirates Marketing Project was the best yet of his Spurs stay, and it set out an ideal template for what would be wanted from the midfielder moving forward.
It is debatable Tottenham have quite got their money's worth on such a large sum—although the way transfer fees have gotten crazier since 2013 has made his price tag seem less exorbitant. But Lamela performing at the level he mostly did last season is good enough, and his continued presence is welcome.
The north London club's official website posted a piece in which they described the 24-year-old as "a reinvigorated man."
"I hope he wouldn't mind me saying it but he probably had a few difficult months when he first came in here, but I think he's proved the doubters wrong," said the South American's team-mate Kyle Walker.
Lamela cannot get complacent with stiff competition around him. Heading into the new season, though, he is in a good place to improve further and establish himself as one of Tottenham's most accomplished performers.
Doing the Dirty Work
The aforementioned Tottenham website article went so far as to say Lamela has "reinvented himself."
"He's lean, he's added a layer of steel to his attacking instinct and he's now someone equally as reliable at chasing the ball down and winning possession as he is at going forward," it read.
It says a lot for how well Lamela did the less glamorous aspects of his job last season. In reality, it was already a significant part of his game.
Per WhoScored.com, his 2.4 tackles per league match was decisively the most made by any Spurs attacking midfielder in 2014-15—and it held up against those more in the thick of things further back.
In the 2015-16 campaign, he once more led those deployed in the area between midfield and attack in tackling, again recording 2.4 per league fixture.
Christian Eriksen's defensive contributions have improved, but he does not enjoy that aspect of his game as much as Lamela does.
Others like Nacer Chadli and Christian Eriksen not matching Lamela here is not so much a mark against them—Dele Alli's 2.2 was closest, albeit his central role naturally meant him seeing more action—rather it is testament to the particular pride he takes in imposing himself on the opposition.
Few Spurs players practice Pochettino's desired pressing game as keenly, understanding how conducive it can be to their work in possession. Be it engaging the opposite full-back from the nominal right-wing position he primarily occupies (see his hounding of Liverpool's Alberto Moreno at home last season) or getting across the pitch to join his team-mates in squeezing the space (in that same game, one such situation saw him help Eriksen regain possession centrally).
One of Lamela's most admirable traits, even two seasons ago, was his willingness to go chasing after the ball when it was lost upfield—in systematic moments like those just mentioned and also when having lost it himself.
In 2014-15, it said as much about his still figuring out Premier League rhythms that he needed to go on impromptu recovery missions. Last season, it felt as much to do with desire to win as individual responsibility.
Lamela made Liverpool's Alberto Moreno very uncomfortable at White Hart Lane last season, albeit decisions did not always go the Spurs man's way.
One such moment occurred at home against Emirates Marketing Project, when his attempt to pass inside to Harry Kane was stopped. Rather than pout at the failed move as some attackers would do, he gave chase and halted a potential charge down the left from Raheem Sterling.
For all Lamela offers in this side of his game, there are some issues in this department.
As hard as he works in midfield and attacking areas, he is not as urgent defending his own flank further back—compared to someone like former-Spur Aaron Lennon, whose covering here was a big part of his game.
He is not the best obstacle to opposition momentum, either, and he can be caught flat-footed fronting up in one-on-ones.
This is not a huge problem with right-backs Kieran Trippier and, more often, Kyle Walker adept on their own and also usually aided by one of the central midfielders shuttling across. But in that Emirates Marketing Project game, for example, Sterling at times had more space than was ideal.
More problematic is that Lamela's aggressive tendencies can have negative repercussions.
Lamela could do with working on his timing in tackles so as to avoid giving away careless free-kicks.
He was as motivated as anyone in the 1-1 derby draw withArsenal last November and was a big part of Spurs unsettling them. In the second-half, however, his more physical challenges were met by theatrical reactions from the Gunners.
The free-kicks he conceded hurt Spurs' rhythm slightly and, more damagingly, he also received a booking that meant his later withdrawal to avoid being sent off. Arsenal's equaliser partly came through their taking advantage of the loss of shape that followed.
The 1.9 fouls per game Lamela committed last season was a team high. His nine yellow cards overall provide further evidence that good intentions in his eager play were not entirely immune to bad timing and unsympathetic refereeing.
...continued ..
A year ago, Tottenham Hotspur attacking midfielder Erik Lamela returned from the Copa America with a lot to prove. The Argentinian's second season in the Premier League had seen him progress, but not quite to the extent that his place in Mauricio Pochettino's setup was secure.
Back in pre-season training already following another—this time more individually productive—Copa campaign with his country, this summer is looking like the first settled one of his Tottenham stay.
Lamela took his time getting to a point where he was tactically integral to the Tottenham team—or, if not integral, at least prominent in Pochettino's thinking.
The former Southampton manager arrived a year after his compatriot. Lamela had shown flashes of the quality that had convinced Spurs to pay Roma over £25 million for him, but in his admittedly rare early appearances, he looked unprepared for the pace and physicality of the English game.
Mauricio Pochettino has been patient with Lamela since becoming Tottenham boss and has got a good return from him.
Having spent the second half of that first season injured, he was raring to go upon the arrival of Pochettino. Things improved—making 45 appearances in all competitions—yet there was still the feeling there was more to come from Lamela.
The 2015-16 campaign proved that perception correct.
After a rough start following his late return from international duty, Lamela battled his way into form. An at-times scintillating display in the 4-1 win over Emirates Marketing Project was the best yet of his Spurs stay, and it set out an ideal template for what would be wanted from the midfielder moving forward.
It is debatable Tottenham have quite got their money's worth on such a large sum—although the way transfer fees have gotten crazier since 2013 has made his price tag seem less exorbitant. But Lamela performing at the level he mostly did last season is good enough, and his continued presence is welcome.
The north London club's official website posted a piece in which they described the 24-year-old as "a reinvigorated man."
"I hope he wouldn't mind me saying it but he probably had a few difficult months when he first came in here, but I think he's proved the doubters wrong," said the South American's team-mate Kyle Walker.
Lamela cannot get complacent with stiff competition around him. Heading into the new season, though, he is in a good place to improve further and establish himself as one of Tottenham's most accomplished performers.
Doing the Dirty Work
The aforementioned Tottenham website article went so far as to say Lamela has "reinvented himself."
"He's lean, he's added a layer of steel to his attacking instinct and he's now someone equally as reliable at chasing the ball down and winning possession as he is at going forward," it read.
It says a lot for how well Lamela did the less glamorous aspects of his job last season. In reality, it was already a significant part of his game.
Per WhoScored.com, his 2.4 tackles per league match was decisively the most made by any Spurs attacking midfielder in 2014-15—and it held up against those more in the thick of things further back.
In the 2015-16 campaign, he once more led those deployed in the area between midfield and attack in tackling, again recording 2.4 per league fixture.
Christian Eriksen's defensive contributions have improved, but he does not enjoy that aspect of his game as much as Lamela does.
Others like Nacer Chadli and Christian Eriksen not matching Lamela here is not so much a mark against them—Dele Alli's 2.2 was closest, albeit his central role naturally meant him seeing more action—rather it is testament to the particular pride he takes in imposing himself on the opposition.
Few Spurs players practice Pochettino's desired pressing game as keenly, understanding how conducive it can be to their work in possession. Be it engaging the opposite full-back from the nominal right-wing position he primarily occupies (see his hounding of Liverpool's Alberto Moreno at home last season) or getting across the pitch to join his team-mates in squeezing the space (in that same game, one such situation saw him help Eriksen regain possession centrally).
One of Lamela's most admirable traits, even two seasons ago, was his willingness to go chasing after the ball when it was lost upfield—in systematic moments like those just mentioned and also when having lost it himself.
In 2014-15, it said as much about his still figuring out Premier League rhythms that he needed to go on impromptu recovery missions. Last season, it felt as much to do with desire to win as individual responsibility.
Lamela made Liverpool's Alberto Moreno very uncomfortable at White Hart Lane last season, albeit decisions did not always go the Spurs man's way.
One such moment occurred at home against Emirates Marketing Project, when his attempt to pass inside to Harry Kane was stopped. Rather than pout at the failed move as some attackers would do, he gave chase and halted a potential charge down the left from Raheem Sterling.
For all Lamela offers in this side of his game, there are some issues in this department.
As hard as he works in midfield and attacking areas, he is not as urgent defending his own flank further back—compared to someone like former-Spur Aaron Lennon, whose covering here was a big part of his game.
He is not the best obstacle to opposition momentum, either, and he can be caught flat-footed fronting up in one-on-ones.
This is not a huge problem with right-backs Kieran Trippier and, more often, Kyle Walker adept on their own and also usually aided by one of the central midfielders shuttling across. But in that Emirates Marketing Project game, for example, Sterling at times had more space than was ideal.
More problematic is that Lamela's aggressive tendencies can have negative repercussions.
Lamela could do with working on his timing in tackles so as to avoid giving away careless free-kicks.
He was as motivated as anyone in the 1-1 derby draw withArsenal last November and was a big part of Spurs unsettling them. In the second-half, however, his more physical challenges were met by theatrical reactions from the Gunners.
The free-kicks he conceded hurt Spurs' rhythm slightly and, more damagingly, he also received a booking that meant his later withdrawal to avoid being sent off. Arsenal's equaliser partly came through their taking advantage of the loss of shape that followed.
The 1.9 fouls per game Lamela committed last season was a team high. His nine yellow cards overall provide further evidence that good intentions in his eager play were not entirely immune to bad timing and unsympathetic refereeing.
...continued ..
Spurs7891
Jermaine Jenas
...continued ..
In Transition
Lamela's good work ethic would mean little if he did not have the ability to make something of it.
The tentative player of his early time in England has gradually turned into a more confident performer. His enjoyment of action extends beyond tackling and harrying to the attempts to turn hectic midfield battles into more graceful periods of transition.
Lamela is one of Spurs' best on the break, effective with both his passing and dribbling.
When he finds his rhythm, Lamela is not easily dispossessed in midfield.
His promptness in the former is enhanced by a good instinct and understanding for where his team-mates are likely to be. Heung-Min Son's winner at home to Crystal Palace started when Lamela won the ball outside his own box and quickly freed the already moving Eriksen.
Although not lightning fast, he is speedy enough that, coupled with quick feet, he is able to leave opponents in his wake. In the 4-1 win over Emirates Marketing Project, it was his tricky run following another exchange with Eriksen that earned the free-kick leading to Kane scoring Spurs' third.
Lamela's adaptability augments the flexibility Pochettino encourages in his team's general midfield work, too, sometimes in interchanges of position and often in terms of movement—though some of Spurs' tougher days saw both him and the team operating too statically.
Lamela has a good awareness of direction and his team-mates' positioning.
Give him the ball out on that right wing and he can take it further on his own or combine with others moving inside. Centrally, too, the aforementioned attributes allow him to influence from here in tighter confines or open space.
Among his fellow midfielders, his pass completion success of 78.6per cent was solid enough, but compared to the numbers of players like Eriksen (81.2) and Mousa Dembele (90), he could stand to improve.
The Final Third
Lamela finished 2015-16 with 11 goals in all competitions and nine assists, an improvement on his five and eight a season earlier.
His superb through ball for Eriksen's winner away at Emirates Marketing Project stood out in the latter category. As for his best scoring efforts, the hat-trick against Monaco in the Europa League was notable given his prominence in front line sans Kane that day.
The Tottenham fans and Lamela celebrate one of his hat-trick goals in the 4-1 win over Monaco.
The good numbers were a worthy reward for his active approach to participating in Tottenham's work in the final third.
The first win over Emirates Marketing Project has featured prominently in this piece, but it really did show Lamela at his best. Out on the right flank and coming in off it, Manuel Pellegrini's side struggled to keep track of him that day.
Not all he tried came off—an effort from Ben Davies' cross was skied way over—but his short, sharp passing and good runs with and without the ball ensured City had to stay alert even as their attack pushed Spurs back before the interval.
Having set up Toby Alderweireld's lead-taking header with a curled free-kick and played his part in the third, Lamela latterly took up more positions out left and centrally. It was from here he sealed the win with a composed control and finish rounding Willy Caballero and Martin Demichelis.
Lamela being let off the leash was something prominent in some of Spurs' most enjoyable wins (also see the 4-1 springtime thrashing ofStoke City).
Lamela sealing the memorable 4-1 win over Emirates Marketing Project, a side Tottenham had struggled against in preceding encounters.
His reading of the game could be seen in knowing when to go beyond a dropped-off Kane to ensure the defence was still occupied, or in the runs into the channel or across the breadth of the penalty area that offered a distraction if nothing else.
Coming in off the right did run the risk the vacated space would become prone for swift reprisals. Generally, though, Spurs were strong enough further back as to allow Lamela to take these chances.
We will find out soon enough just what Pochettino has in mind for his attack this season. Given all he brings to the table, some major upheaval will need to occur for Lamela not to be part of it.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...e-of-tottenham-hotspur-midfielder-erik-lamela
----------------------------------------------
Lamela was our only player to finish last season in good form. He has continued that good form with Argentina as well. Hope he will continue to improve his form this season.
In Transition
Lamela's good work ethic would mean little if he did not have the ability to make something of it.
The tentative player of his early time in England has gradually turned into a more confident performer. His enjoyment of action extends beyond tackling and harrying to the attempts to turn hectic midfield battles into more graceful periods of transition.
Lamela is one of Spurs' best on the break, effective with both his passing and dribbling.
When he finds his rhythm, Lamela is not easily dispossessed in midfield.
His promptness in the former is enhanced by a good instinct and understanding for where his team-mates are likely to be. Heung-Min Son's winner at home to Crystal Palace started when Lamela won the ball outside his own box and quickly freed the already moving Eriksen.
Although not lightning fast, he is speedy enough that, coupled with quick feet, he is able to leave opponents in his wake. In the 4-1 win over Emirates Marketing Project, it was his tricky run following another exchange with Eriksen that earned the free-kick leading to Kane scoring Spurs' third.
Lamela's adaptability augments the flexibility Pochettino encourages in his team's general midfield work, too, sometimes in interchanges of position and often in terms of movement—though some of Spurs' tougher days saw both him and the team operating too statically.
Lamela has a good awareness of direction and his team-mates' positioning.
Give him the ball out on that right wing and he can take it further on his own or combine with others moving inside. Centrally, too, the aforementioned attributes allow him to influence from here in tighter confines or open space.
Among his fellow midfielders, his pass completion success of 78.6per cent was solid enough, but compared to the numbers of players like Eriksen (81.2) and Mousa Dembele (90), he could stand to improve.
The Final Third
Lamela finished 2015-16 with 11 goals in all competitions and nine assists, an improvement on his five and eight a season earlier.
His superb through ball for Eriksen's winner away at Emirates Marketing Project stood out in the latter category. As for his best scoring efforts, the hat-trick against Monaco in the Europa League was notable given his prominence in front line sans Kane that day.
The Tottenham fans and Lamela celebrate one of his hat-trick goals in the 4-1 win over Monaco.
The good numbers were a worthy reward for his active approach to participating in Tottenham's work in the final third.
The first win over Emirates Marketing Project has featured prominently in this piece, but it really did show Lamela at his best. Out on the right flank and coming in off it, Manuel Pellegrini's side struggled to keep track of him that day.
Not all he tried came off—an effort from Ben Davies' cross was skied way over—but his short, sharp passing and good runs with and without the ball ensured City had to stay alert even as their attack pushed Spurs back before the interval.
Having set up Toby Alderweireld's lead-taking header with a curled free-kick and played his part in the third, Lamela latterly took up more positions out left and centrally. It was from here he sealed the win with a composed control and finish rounding Willy Caballero and Martin Demichelis.
Lamela being let off the leash was something prominent in some of Spurs' most enjoyable wins (also see the 4-1 springtime thrashing ofStoke City).
Lamela sealing the memorable 4-1 win over Emirates Marketing Project, a side Tottenham had struggled against in preceding encounters.
His reading of the game could be seen in knowing when to go beyond a dropped-off Kane to ensure the defence was still occupied, or in the runs into the channel or across the breadth of the penalty area that offered a distraction if nothing else.
Coming in off the right did run the risk the vacated space would become prone for swift reprisals. Generally, though, Spurs were strong enough further back as to allow Lamela to take these chances.
We will find out soon enough just what Pochettino has in mind for his attack this season. Given all he brings to the table, some major upheaval will need to occur for Lamela not to be part of it.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...e-of-tottenham-hotspur-midfielder-erik-lamela
----------------------------------------------
Lamela was our only player to finish last season in good form. He has continued that good form with Argentina as well. Hope he will continue to improve his form this season.
Spurs7891
Jermaine Jenas
Lamela's goal against Juventus :
Well-taken goal by Lamela. Good to see him continuing his goal-scoring form since end of last season. His target for this season should be to score atleast 10 league goals.
He seemed over priced when we bought him for 30m. But for all his workrate, goals and assists from last season, surely Lamela's value should be atleast 50m by now. I think he has done enough to prove his worth to us.
Well-taken goal by Lamela. Good to see him continuing his goal-scoring form since end of last season. His target for this season should be to score atleast 10 league goals.
He seemed over priced when we bought him for 30m. But for all his workrate, goals and assists from last season, surely Lamela's value should be atleast 50m by now. I think he has done enough to prove his worth to us.
Still not convinced by his goalscoring ability.
Today's goal was classic Lamela, rolled into the corner with a lazy gait from a seemingly impossible distance.
It's a great type of goal to be able to score, but I question his ability to score goals which require a bit more power, and his ability to sniff out goalscoring positions in the box. I know that isn't necessarily his main job in the team, but anyone in that AM trio should be looking to get in the box on occasion and make the telling contribution.
He has obviously come so far already, it would be great to see him kick on now and develop his goalscoring to the level where he can chip in 10 league goals. Then we really would have a top class AM on our hands.
Today's goal was classic Lamela, rolled into the corner with a lazy gait from a seemingly impossible distance.
It's a great type of goal to be able to score, but I question his ability to score goals which require a bit more power, and his ability to sniff out goalscoring positions in the box. I know that isn't necessarily his main job in the team, but anyone in that AM trio should be looking to get in the box on occasion and make the telling contribution.
He has obviously come so far already, it would be great to see him kick on now and develop his goalscoring to the level where he can chip in 10 league goals. Then we really would have a top class AM on our hands.
Gazza
Frederic Kanoute
He is more defensive than Eriksen and has really kicked on already.
He gets scrutinised because of fee, the team is ALWAYS stronger when he plays
Seriously disagree wuth this - Eriksen adds the finesse every great team needs, not a player we can afford to lose.
90291Spur
Paul Walsh
Can't compare as Lamela was bought waaaay before this new rich TV deal. A deal where Bournemouth can afford to pay 15m for Ibe.
100% agree.
If you compare him to the best attacking mids in the world though, he needs to add goals or take his creative game even further.
Defensively, for a player in his position, he is world class. Going forwards he isn't close to that top bracket - yet.
Don't get me wrong, he is comfortably one of the better AMs in the league, but even that is not ultimately good enough if we are serious about regularly competing for the title and making some sort of meaningful impact on the CL.
Let's not forget, he's only 24 - he is nowhere near his ceiling yet.
That's what's really exciting.
One of the most telling mental signs of delivering on his bountiful talent was his and Rose's dinner chat, one that may well end up in Spurs folklore:
DANNY: Coco, d'you reckon we'll get top 4 this year?
*ERIK looks at DANNY in disgust*
ERIK: My friend, we can win the league.
DANNY: Coco, d'you reckon we'll get top 4 this year?
*ERIK looks at DANNY in disgust*
ERIK: My friend, we can win the league.
Spurs7891
Jermaine Jenas
Tottenham Hotspur star Erik Lamela angrily denies rumours he might join Inter Milan
The Argentine has been regularly linked with a move back to Italy.
Tottenham Hotspur winger Erik Lamela looks to have finally settled into life in the capital. After a tough first two seasons at White Hart Lane he impressed at Tottenham last season.
However, despite this, he remains consistently linked with a move back to Italy – from where he joined Spurs from Roma.
Inter Milan are the team said to be interested this summer – but the player has now come out to definitively confirm he is going nowhere.
Lamela is quoted by Inter-News as stating:
“Every year since I've been at Tottenham at this time of year we talk about my possible transfer to Italy.
“I honestly do not know why you always spread this rumor. I am only focused on Tottenham and I want to stay here and as I said last year when they feared another transfer I only care about this club.”
The Argentinian’s defiant stance will be welcome news to Tottenham fans, who have been won over by the player’s hard work to settle into Tottenham life despite having such a difficult start to life with the club.
Lamela, who scored earlier today in a 2-1 loss to Juventus in Australia, played 44 times last season and scored 11 goals for Spurs – his best return since making the move to North London.
He is pivotal to Mauricio Pochettino’s system and the hope next season is that he can find the net even more regularly for his Tottenham side.
http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2016/07/2...ar-erik-lamela-angrily-denies-rumours-he-mig/
-------------------------------------
It is good to know Lamela wants to stay at Spurs long term. But someone should remind this to Levy every time he thinks about money !
The Argentine has been regularly linked with a move back to Italy.
Tottenham Hotspur winger Erik Lamela looks to have finally settled into life in the capital. After a tough first two seasons at White Hart Lane he impressed at Tottenham last season.
However, despite this, he remains consistently linked with a move back to Italy – from where he joined Spurs from Roma.
Inter Milan are the team said to be interested this summer – but the player has now come out to definitively confirm he is going nowhere.
Lamela is quoted by Inter-News as stating:
“Every year since I've been at Tottenham at this time of year we talk about my possible transfer to Italy.
“I honestly do not know why you always spread this rumor. I am only focused on Tottenham and I want to stay here and as I said last year when they feared another transfer I only care about this club.”
The Argentinian’s defiant stance will be welcome news to Tottenham fans, who have been won over by the player’s hard work to settle into Tottenham life despite having such a difficult start to life with the club.
Lamela, who scored earlier today in a 2-1 loss to Juventus in Australia, played 44 times last season and scored 11 goals for Spurs – his best return since making the move to North London.
He is pivotal to Mauricio Pochettino’s system and the hope next season is that he can find the net even more regularly for his Tottenham side.
http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2016/07/2...ar-erik-lamela-angrily-denies-rumours-he-mig/
-------------------------------------
It is good to know Lamela wants to stay at Spurs long term. But someone should remind this to Levy every time he thinks about money !
Lemonade Money
Les Medley
Kandi1977
Garth Crooks
SpurMeUp
Les Howe
No? He couldn't become an even better player? Score more goals? Show real confidence in attacking situations, finish more clinically?