Thomas Tuchel named Erik Lamela as one of several Tottenham players who have ‘outstanding’ quality’, as he told his pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
Following the sacking of Frank Lampard last month, Tuchel will get his first taste of a London derby, minus the fans of course, as Jose Mourinho’s out-of-sorts Tottenham host their neighbours.
Both Tottenham and Chelsea are level on points in the Premier League table – Mourinho’s men have played a game less, as a win tonight would send either team into sixth.
Ahead of that match, Tuchel was waxing-lyrical about several Spurs players, including Lamela, who was purchased by a manager familiar to both clubs in Andre Villas-Boas for £30 million in 2013 (Guardian).
“They have upfront normally Harry Kane, Son, Bergwijn, Lamela, Bale,” said Tuchel.
“They have outstanding quality and speed and I have the biggest respect for him because he is building teams on the highest level to compete and to win game after game after game.
“This is what he’s doing at Tottenham and we are doing things in our style and with our beliefs. Everything is allowed. There are many ways to succeed.”
When Lamela was first signed up by Tottenham nearly eight years ago, he was potentially seen as Gareth Bale’s successor, as the left-footed Welshman was heading to Spain to dominate Europe with Real Madrid.
But fast forward to Tottenham’s most recent encounter – their 1-0 defeat to Brighton – and a half-cooked four-time Champions League winner, Bale, is starting ahead of the Argentinean.
It perhaps proves that Lamela hasn’t reached the heights many thought he would in North London and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him depart the club in the summer.
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