Mauricio Pochettino: Erik Lamela must prove his worth in 'key season' at Tottenham

Make or break: Lamela is yet to justify his transfer fee at Tottenham
Sam Long16 September 2015

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has warned Erik Lamela that he faces a make-or-break season after struggling to establish himself at White Hart Lane.

The 23-year-old joined Spurs from Roma for a club record fee two years ago but has failed to make a significant impact in English football.

The Argentina international, who scored just two Premier League goals last season, is not assured of a place in Pochettino's starting line up and was reported to be close to a move away from the club in the summer.

He provided another reminder of his rich potential with an incisive assist for Ryan Mason in the 1-0 victory against Sunderland last weekend but Pochettino has told his compatriot it is time to finally prove his worth.

"We believe we can develop his game and I think we need to be patient with him. It's true, now is the third season here, but we believe in him and we want to give the opportunity to show his value.

"We have a lot of games to play, for competition, we need a good player in all positions. I think with the squad we have, we have a very good balance

"I think this is a key season for him. After two seasons at Tottenham, now is the moment for him. Not to put pressure, but it's true. It's a key moment for him to develop and to move on his game. It's important."

The midfielder has only threatened to fulfill his potential in north London but has still drawn comparisons with some of his Argentina's best players in his homeland.

Pochettino is way of such high expectations being placed on Lamela, but believes that such hype was inevitable after watching the midfielder make his early breakthrough at Roma.

"Yes I knew him, it's normal - in Argentina I have friends.

"Lamela was young, long, blond hair and he made big impact. Always if there was going to appear a player in this style, left-footed, before he was the new (Diego) Maradona.

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"Now he's the new (Lionel) Messi. It's like this. All the people compare him with new Messi and it's impossible to stop that," he admitted.

Spurs begin their Europa League campaign against Qarabag on Thursday night and Lamela is in contention to feature against the Azerbaijani minnows ahead of this weekend's visit of Manchester City.

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