Spurs need to add attacking talent to play with Erik Lamela, not to replace him
The talent and performance of Erik Lamela has been a subject of much debate for Tottenham fans over his brief Spurs career. Even the most negative Spurs fan has to admit that he took a big step forward this season under Mauricio Pochettino. That’s why the club must hold on to him this summer despite interest from several other clubs.
Reports from Italy claim that new Inter boss Roberto Mancini has highlighted Lamela as one of his first transfer targets at the club. Some are suggesting that Tottenham cash in on Lamela’s good season to raise funds for other transfer purchases. Spurs fans need to understand that now is the time to add talent, not trade it.
In years past, I suppose it might have made sense to sell the Argentine winger this summer. His first season at White Hart Lane was a massive struggle, and only this season has he begun to show his wares. Some may believe that next year could easily see him slip back into the inconsistent form of his first Premier League season.
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The rationale would be that selling Lamela now would allow the club to recoup at least a large portion of the massive fee it took to acquire the skilled winger. That money could then be reinvested in a more accomplished attacking player like Dortmund’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Under previous managers, I could have at least understand the logic in that line of thinking.
Not under Pochettino though. We are still early in his project to completely transform our club into a side that is consistently in the hunt for the Premier League title and Champions League glory. To help him accomplish those lofty goals, it’s time for us to add world-class depth to the squad. Gone are the days of selling one player to fund the acquisition of another.
In Tottenham’s current era, we need only sell players who don’t fit into Pochettino’s plans. Erik Lamela clearly has a place in his countryman’s squad even if it isn’t in the starting 11 every week. At the very least, he could be an excellent bench player for a title contending side.
It’s not as if our beloved Spurs are currently blessed with a bevy of attacking midfield stars at the moment. Yes, the starting trio of Lamela, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen performed excellently at times last season, but it wasn’t the most consistent of groups.
After that starting group, results were pretty poor if we’re honest with ourselves. Nacer Chadli was pretty poor and figures to be headed out the door this summer. The same could be said for high-priced acquisition Son Heung-Min. Surely Pochettino will need to look to add several potential attacking midfielders if he wants to compete seriously on all fronts next year.
That’s why keeping Lamela is really the only choice. He easily could remain a starter for Spurs next season and I’d have no complaints. His work rate is immense and his finishing ability improved dramatically during the last campaign. Who’s to say that his performance won’t jump up another level this season?
At the very least, he’s an insanely hard-working winger who can provide you goals and assists on a regular basis. What a luxury it would be to have that sort of player available on the substitute’s bench or to start cup matches.
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It’s that sort of luxury that Tottenham fans need to become accustomed to under Pochettino. Things are different now at White Hart Lane and the need to keep Erik Lamela in a Spurs uniform is just a symptom of a massive philosophical shift at the club.