He's been disappointing for over 2 seasons now, how long do you stick with a player who is underperforming and how long does it have to be until you say it is no longer considered a slump?
With regards to playing for Argentina, all due respect, but he has played 10 times, I could name plenty of players who have played more times for their country who are poor players, David Luiz for one has played over 50 times for Brazil. I'm not saying Lamela is poor, but I have come to the conclusion that he is not cut out for the league and he's unfortunately reached that point similar to Soldado where his confidence has deserted him. And judging by the atmosphere when he came on against Stoke, I think the majority of the WHL faithful have all but given up on him and some even turned on him.
No offence, but his coach is the same nationality as him, I'm sure has shown more faith and patience with him than Redknapp or AVB would have for example.
1st season with all his injuries he hardly played, so I feel that is a little unfair, so he has had one full (second) season where he contributed to us finishing fifth and he led the way in our squad with the most assists, yes his goal return wasn't great but all in all....no he did not look like a 30m player granted. Although I saw enough to suggest there is more to come from him.
Everybody has different levels of patience as you can tell by reading back through this thread, I know we all SEE things differently but I genuinely have seen enough (not this season yet) to suggest he is worth waiting for. I do not understand why so many are ready to give up on our record signing just yet, its not the case where we saw Vlad and you could tell in 10 minutes he was woefully unsuitable for us or this league, I personally don't think this is the case with Erik, but I know you feel differently so fair enough.
with regards to the national team the point I was making is that someone who has been given the nod to be in and around the likes of Messi, Higuain, Di Maria, Lavezzi can hardly be classed as a useless player as some are making out. This part of my argument was directed to those who think he's just garbage. Playing for your national team is not proof that Lamela will get it right at spurs.
The price tag will never help, nor the impatience or negative vibes from our fans, however I think Pochettino will get the best out of Lamela, im sure of it.
You know my views and I have no issues with people who have lost the faith with him, I get it I understand, To me its just really frustrating that we haven't been able to bring out the best in him, I am not laying the blame all with Erik, since he's been here....three managers, upheaval, thats a lot for a young foreigner in a new country to be able to handle.
Anyway no more excuses, he will need to show more this season, and there are no excuses for his poor showing vs Stoke, He needs to do much better.
I dont consider myself greedy, I am quite content in life....but in all honesty if he starts peforming for spurs which means the media pipe down about him being a 30m flop I swear I would love it man! I would Love it! It would be great if he could ram all the criticism back down people's throats...of Course Erik needs to have the desire and application to make this a reality......we shall see.