After another cameo, surely Erik Lamela starts for Tottenham Hotspur at Burnley?
Erik Lamela returned for Tottenham Hotspur at Leicester City after missing 13 months through injury (pic: Mike Egerton/PA) - Credit: PA Wire/PA Images
The 25-year-old’s qualities and industrious nature surely make him a shoe-in to start at Turf Moor ahead of Dele Alli
Manchester City's Raheem Sterling scores his side's third goal of the game during their Premier League match with Tottenham Hotspur (pic: Martin Rickett/PA Images). - Credit: PA Wire/PA Images
One positive for Spurs during their mauling at Manchester City on Saturday was the cameo display of Erik Lamela.
The Argentinean replaced Heung-min Son with 77 minutes on the clock at the Etihad Stadium and the hosts’ two goals ahead.
City would go on to extend their advantage further before Christian Eriksen pulled one back to make it 4-1, but not even that consolation strike could offer fans something to smile about.
Yet the substitute display of Lamela again highlighted his obvious quality and showed he has so far had no ill effects from his long spell out.
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The former Roma winger created a chance straight after his introduction when he muscled his way into the City area and saw his cross cleared out to Harry Winks, but he took too long to shoot and ran the ball out of play.
It was a rare attacking foray from Spurs on a forgettable evening in Manchester, but provided an example of what Lamela is effective at.
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His ability to run at defenders and beat them in one-on-one situations is something this Tottenham squad desperately lacks.
In addition to this, Lamela also has an eye for a killer pass as demonstrated during the recent 2-1 defeat at Leicester City when assisting Harry Kane’s consolation strike.
Both of the aforementioned qualities are likely to be essential to Spurs getting any type of reward from Saturday’s match at Burnley.
The Clarets have excelled this season and are currently one spot above Tottenham in sixth place after 18 Premier League games.
Burnley’s success has been built on solid foundations in defence with Sean Dyche’s men conceding just 12 goals in the division this term.
Therefore if Spurs are to get anything in Lancashire, they will have to find a way of breaking down a determined back four.
Lamela may be key to that and after starting the home win over Brighton & Hove Albion last week and showing flashes of his class at City, he deserves another chance from the off this weekend.
Dele Alli disappointed again on Saturday and Lamela’s qualities and his industrious nature surely make him a shoe-in to start at Turf Moor.
