Ryan Mason explains why Mauricio Pochettino picks Erik Lamela for Spurs' big games
The former Spurs midfielder heaped praise on the Argentine winger
Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder
Ryan Mason says it is no surprise that
Mauricio Pochettinopicks
Erik Lamela for the big games, praising his ex-teammate's ability to "create a bit of brilliance".
The Argentinian winger returned to the first team in November after a long injury lay-off, and is beginning to establish himself in Pochettino's plans, starting Spurs' last two games against Crystal Palace and Rochdale.
Since arriving in North London from Roma, Lamela has made 141 appearances, scoring 20 goals and chipping in with 36 assists.
Eyebrows were raised when the winger was given the nod ahead of in-form Son Heung-min for the Champions League tie at Juventus, but the 25-year-old was impressive in the 2-2 draw in Turin.
Speaking on
BBC 5 Live sport, former teammate Mason said there are two main reasons that he was selected for such a crucial game.
“Coco’s (Lamela) one of these players, he loves football, I’ve never come across anyone in the game that loves the game as much as him," he said.
“The reason why the gaffer picks him is because one, he trusts him and two, Coco will never ever give anything less than 100 per cent.
“He’s got this ability to create a bit of brilliance.
"Coco's had such a long spell out and he's come back and looks fit and strong.
"Full credit to him, it's only because he loves the game and I know he will have been doing absolutely everything in his power to come back and be strong for the gaffer."
When Pochettino was asked about his decision to start Lamela over Son, Pochettino responded: "Erik Lamela knows what it means to play here against Juventus and we believe this experience will help the team."
https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/news/spurs-erik-lamela-mason-pochettino-14363024
-------------------------------------------------
Some players go missing against the big teams but not Lamela. Over the years, Lamela has at least a goal or an assist against all the big teams like Arsenal(2 assists), ManU(1 goal, 1 assist), ManCity(1 goal, 2 assists), Liverpool(2 assists) and Chelsea(1 assist). We badly missed him when he was injured last season. I am convinced we would have won the league ahead of Chelsea if Lamela was not injured last season.