‘Immense’ Erik Lamela ready to make big impact at Tottenham, says AVB

Andre Villas-Boas has heaped praise on Erik Lamela and hinted that the £30m record signing could make his first start for Tottenham against Tromso on Thursday.

The Argentina international has so far only made two appearances from the bench for Spurs since his arrival at White Hart Lane from Roma over the summer.

But Villas-Boas believes that the 21-year-old will have no problems adapting to Tottenham’s style of play and indicated that he is set to feature in the Europa League opener.

“It was finally good for us to have him these three days training with the team, that was important for him,” said Villas-Boas.

“His qualities are immense, they’re not in doubt. We just didn’t have enough time because of his late arrival in the transfer window and also the game that he played in Paraguay for Argentina.

“So at the moment there is that possibility that he will be selected for the game, and I think a player of his quality will threaten to be in the team.”

Villas-Boas continued: “He’s played different positions up front from a young age. When he left River Plate he was playing behind the striker. The first year in Roma, on the left. And then he was on the right side.

“All of this experience that he has in these three positions allow us to play him on the right or the left, so we have the solutions because the player is very creative.”