Erik Lamela was a cut above when he came on for Tottenham Hotspur in midweek.
Tottenham’s Erik Lamela shoots
Tottenham Hotspur will be keen to move on quickly from their midweek defeat to Liverpool, which saw them eliminated from the EFL Cup.
Spurs were defeated 2-1 through two goals from Daniel Sturridge, with Vincent Janssen netting a penalty as consolation.
Tottenham’s Vincent Janssen scores from the penalty spot
The player who won the spot kick was Erik Lamela, who had come on as a substitute minutes earlier.
Even before tempting Lucas Leiva into naively conceding a penalty, Lamela made an instant impression, and changed the game in Tottenham’s favour.
Had youngster Shayon Harrison converted a late chance, everybody would be talking about Lamela’s outstanding pass into him.
Liverpool’s Lucas Leiva in action with Tottenham’s Erik Lamela
Lamela played with a level of assurance that starters in the rotated team did not, and Liverpool were wary of the danger he posed.
His display should inspire players like Georges-Kevin N’Koudou and Josh Onomah, who each struggled to make a positive impression.
Three seasons ago Lamela was in the same situation, finding it difficult to adjust to playing at a Premier League level, but through hard work, talent and excellent coaching, he has become one of the most important players in the team.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino
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