Tottenham are set for two big returns
Things looked a little differently around Tottenham’s training ground today. Chiefly, the return of two long-absent players has changed the mood around Hotspur Way. Both Danny Rose and Erik Lamela have returned to training with the first team. The real question becomes, which Spurs star will help Mauricio Pochettino’s squad more this season?
The case for Rose
Before the English left back went down to injury, he was arguably the heartbeat of Pochettino’s squad. The relentless energy he displayed on the pitch endeared him to Tottenham fans like no one else.
His excellent play had propelled him to become England’s first choice left back as well. That fact coincided with him being the best left back in the Premier League at the time. Unfortunately, a lot has changed since then.
There’s no escaping the reality that Rose’s summer comments questioning the club’s pay scale have driven a wedge between he and the Spurs’ fan base. What isn’t known, is how much his comments might have upset Pochettino. There’s no way of knowing whether or not Rose’s public outburst has placed him permanently in his manager’s doghouse.
Perhaps more significantly, Ben Davies has played excellent football in Rose’s absence. He was adequate in relief last season, but the Welshman has been exceptional to begin the 2017/18 campaign. Dropping him given his current form is going to be very difficult for Pochettino.
Fortunately for Rose, Pochettino prefers to rotate his fullbacks whenever possible. That means that even if Davies holds on to his starting position initially, Rose will still receive meaningful playing time.
More from Tottenham Hotspur
- Bayern Munich reach agreement for Harry Kane
- Antonio Conte goes scorched earth on Tottenham
- Clement Lenglet set to join Tottenham on loan
- Tottenham set to sign Brazilian Richarlison
- Tottenham Hotspur hold off Arsenal for Champions League spot
If that happens, a healthy Rose figures to play well enough to eventually unseat Davies. He simply is a more dynamic presence out on the flank. Davies may be more skilled, but his physical limitations make him a poor matchup against elite attackers.
The case for Rose assumes he returns to full health, still has a good relationship with his manager and is still committed to playing for Spurs. Those may be three significant “ifs” but there’s no arguing Rose’s talent. He can be one of the top left backs in Europe when he’s fit and firing.
The case for Lamela
Critics of the Argentine star (of which they are many) forget just how good he can be when he’s on his game. If he reaches his full potential, he could join the likes of Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen in terms of his impact on the Spurs attack.
Lamela may also enjoy an easier path to the starting XI than Rose. He only needs to unseat Son Heung-Min to put himself in position for loads of playing time in the attacking midfield. As we’ve detailed previously, the Korean attacker is off to a horrific start to the campaign.
Many fans and pundits also forget how important Lamela can be to Tottenham’s high press. While Pochettino has migrated away from this philosophy this season, a healthy Lamela might bring it back into his plans. He can dog the opposition with his tireless work rate. He is the only Spurs attacking player who can really make that claim.
Lamela also has the advantage of being able to contribute mightily to the club’s goal scoring. Logic tells you that Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen cannot continue to play this well forever. At some point, their level of play is going to dip. Inserting Lamela back into the lineup could help inject some much-needed life into Pochettino’s attack when that occurs.
In the end, Rose’s return wins out
Lamela might mean more to Tottenham in the long run given Rose’s questionable commitment to the club, but the talented Englishman wins this race by a hair. Rose has proven that he can be a dominating Premier League player at a position of importance for Pochettino.
Next: Tottenham's five most overrated players
He’ll face an uphill climb to knock Davies out of the starting XI, but if he does, he could have a massive impact on Tottenham’s quest for a Premier League title this year.