Tottenham’s Champions League knockout campaign kicks off tonight as they take on RB Leipzig in the round of 16 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, although they’ll have to do so without their South Korean wonder, Heung-Min Son, who has fractured his arm (tottenhamhotspur.com).
Erik Lamela is training with #thfc this afternoon. | @AlasdairGold
— Daily Hotspur (@Daily_Hotspur) February 18, 2020
However, it’s not all doom and gloom, as the Lilywhites have got Erik Lamela back in training and the Argentine could be set to feature for them against their German opponents later tonight. The 27-year-old has had his problems with his fitness, but having him back could be key.
The former Roma man, when he’s playing his best football, is one hell of a player. His ability to contribute goals and assists out of nowhere certainly sets him apart from a lot of players, and he’ll be one that the fans will be relying upon to step up in Son’s absence.
Can Lamela make the difference in Kane and Son's absence?
Yes
No
You can read the Lilywhites’ thoughts on Lamela here:
We need a Lamela masterclass, please Don Erik
— ᴄʜᴀɴᴅʟᴇʀ (@ftblchandler) February 18, 2020
SIUUU ARGENTINE MASTERCLASS INC
— DepressionSZN (@Delegician) February 18, 2020
He needs to step up but plz don’t get injured
— Naomi (@Naomi06200013) February 18, 2020
It’s your time kiki Coys
— Errol Burnett (@Burnett6Errol) February 18, 2020
Things you love to see
— loiferbud (@choochie2012) February 18, 2020
We need a Lamela masterclass now
— Kanser (@kanspurs) February 18, 2020
The Lilywhites have got a lot of time for Lamela and will be keen for him to start and be at his best when Leipzig come to town.
Look like we are going to flood the midfield and ‘pass’ our way to goal.
Why not? Some of the best teams in the world haven’t have a front man at times,
eg Barcelona. We’ve got some fine players going forward in Lamela, Moura, Alli,
Ndombele (if he’s fit), Berjwyn, Lo Celso, Fernandes etc., with players like Winks and Dier pushing
from central midfield.
Also, if it comes to it, stick Dier up front as a target man. Even if he just creates a
distraction for the Leipzig defence, that will allow others to play in space around him.
In seven years at Spurs, Lamela has contributed next to nothing, so a brilliant performance tonight is long overdue – I for one don’t ‘love’ him, but I’m willing to reconsider my belief that he’s just a wage-thief who’s still at the club only because Pochettino favoured his fellow Argies if he does the business. Do I expect him to? NO!