Roma’s Leandro Paredes is a huge admirer of Tottenham Hotspur winger Erik Lamela.
Roma midfielder Leandro Paredes shared the toughest opponent he has ever faced throughout his career, aside from Lionel Messi, during an exclusive interview with the club’s official website.
The 22-year-old Argentine is highly-rated within the game, with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City all linked with a move for the Roma man earlier this year (Gazzetta Dello Sport).
Leandro Paredes
During an exclusive interview with Roma’s official website, Paredes made a bold claim in response to a question asking him who is the toughest opponent he has ever faced:
“Well, apart from Lionel Messi… Looking back at the Argentinian league I’d say Erik Lamela, who I faced in the derby against River Plate.”
Tottenham’s Erik Lamela shoots
Paredes’ choice of Lamela will come as a shock to many, with the Argentine failing to fully establish himself in the Premier League after joining Spurs three years ago.
He is still only 24-year-old, though, and has plenty of time to go on and prove to everyone what he is truly capable of.
There is certainly no doubting his talent, with the endorsement from Paredes bearing testament to that, but if he is to become a truly top-class player at Tottenham, Lamela must start to produce the goods on a regular basis.
The Argentine moved to White Hart Lane for £30 million in 2013, and now is the time for Lamela to start justifying that price-tag.
Tottenham’s Erik Lamela in action
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
