Erik Lamela ‘ready to prove his worth at Tottenham Hotspur’

Mauricio Pochettino is backing Erik Lamela to shine for Tottenham Hotspur this season.

The Argentina international endured a disappointing, injury-hit campaign in his first season in England and made just three Premier League starts for the north London club following his £30m move from Roma last summer.

We think and we believe that Erik is ready to show his quality

Mauricio Pochettino

But new Spurs boss Pochettino believes that the 22-year-old playmaker is now ready to impress for the Lilywhites this season.

“[There is the] Erik Lamela you know and [the one] we know from Argentina and Italy,” Pochettino said.

“But he is still young and the Premier League is the most difficult league to play in – in terms of the style, the language and to adapt.

“Now, after one year at Tottenham, we think and we believe that Erik is ready to show his quality.

“My philosophy is to give a freer style with good organisation. Not only with Erik but also with other players – and they are unbelievable players – on the ball to create a different action.

“Everyone expects a big performance from Erik Lamela [but] he needs time. I expect from all, not only from Lamela, to show their ability.”