Erik Lamela is more important to Tottenham than ever before, and he predicted his success.
Erik Lamela scored yet again for Tottenham at the weekend to continue his impressive run of form.
He has scored eight goals and provided three assists in his last 12 games. It may be an unsustainable rate, but Tottenham fans are loving the impact he is making right now.
It has not always been simple for Lamela since signing from Roma in 2013.
He struggled to adapt early on, and injuries have cost him a year plus several months of his Tottenham career.
Even early on, he maintained belief he would grow into a big difference maker for Spurs.
Speaking to The Telegraph on October 31 2013, just over five years ago, Lamela asked for patience and promised success.
He said: “I think I need a bit of time. I feel good here, although getting used to life here in every sense is a completely different thing. I’ve barely been here two months, so time is maybe what I need.
“It’s not necessarily more difficult, but it’s just different. This is a style of football I like very much, though, and I think, with the way I play, it will be very suited to my game.
“My moment will come and I will make the difference.”
Half a decade on, Lamela’s promise is finally coming true, even if it has taken far longer than he would have liked.
The Argentine has finally established himself as a difference maker, and is looking like one of the most reliable and dangerous players in the Tottenham team.
As far as Tottenham are concerned, long may it last.
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