‘Erik Lamela and Nacer Chadli could be key for Tottenham’

Alan Smith believes that the likes of Erik Lamela and Nacer Chadli could develop into key players for Tottenham next season.

Lamela struggled in his first season at White Hart Lane following his £30m move from Roma last summer and was sidelined by on-off injuries.

Chadli, meanwhile, scored one goal and made three assist in 24 Premier League games for Spurs after his £7m switch to north London from Twente.

There are players there who can do a lot better, the likes of Lamela and Chadli

Alan Smith

And former Arsenal striker Smith feels that the duo have the potential to improve significantly under new manager Mauricio Pochettino.

“Pochettino will obviously make his own changes to the team,” Smith told Sky Sports.

“How many changes in terms of signings he’ll make is another matter, we’ll have to wait up until deadline day to see that.

“Obviously there were a whole raft of players who came in at the start of last season so he’ll be guided by that.

“There are players there who can do a lot better, the likes of Lamela and Chadli. Christian Eriksen came into his own as the season went on. He’s got a lot to work with but he needs to stamp his imprint on it.”