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Tottenham tactics: Who would be the best starting XI for Spurs if every star was healthy?

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 02: Kyle Walker of Tottenham Hotspur walks out of the tunnel during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at White Hart Lane on October 2, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 02: Kyle Walker of Tottenham Hotspur walks out of the tunnel during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at White Hart Lane on October 2, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images) /
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MOSCOW, RUSSIA – SEPTEMBER 27: Georgi Schennikov of CSKA Moscow vies for the ball with Erik Lamela of Tottenham Hotspur FC during the UEFA Champions League match between PFC CSKA Moskva and Tottenham Hotspur FC at the CSKA Arena stadium on September 27, 2016 in Moscow. (Photo by Epsilon/Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – SEPTEMBER 27: Georgi Schennikov of CSKA Moscow vies for the ball with Erik Lamela of Tottenham Hotspur FC during the UEFA Champions League match between PFC CSKA Moskva and Tottenham Hotspur FC at the CSKA Arena stadium on September 27, 2016 in Moscow. (Photo by Epsilon/Getty Images) /

Right Attacking Midfielder-Erik Lamela

Amazingly, the Argentine attacker continues to divide opinion within the Tottenham fan base. Some love him for his tenacity and effort, while others criticize him for his inconsistent end product.

In truth, both schools of thought have their fair share of truth. Lamela does play his heart out on the pitch, but sometimes his quality in the final third is quite poor. For me, his consistent effort earns him a place in the starting XI.

In fact, it’s the main difference between he and Pochettino’s other option, Moussa Sissoko. The Frenchman can be excellent when he’s engaged, but his effort level has been inconsistent throughout his career. You can slate Lamela for his quality, but never for his effort.

Tottenham’s midfield needs Lamela’s work rate out on the pitch. He’s an absolute nightmare for opponents with his incessant running and physical challenges. That’s enough to keep him in Pochettino’s starting XI for the time being.

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