Erik Lamela is an odd player sometimes; he looks like a world-class footballer, and other times he seems totally out of his depth in the Premier League.
To be fair to him, he started the season well with a goal and assist against Manchester City, but since then, Lamela has offered nothing to his team.
The Argentine was Spurs’ top scorer in pre-season, but since that City game, he has only scored one goal and not registered an assist and seems to be letting games drift by him.
For example, against Brighton & Hove Albion, Lamela made no effort to stop Pascal Gross’ cross that led to Brighton’s opener but also a serious injury to Hugo Lloris.
The lack of effort to stop the German crossing the ball was unacceptable.
The 27-year-old has spoken of hard work and grafting for each other, yet here we are three minutes into the game, and he just lets a cross come into the box.
That has inadvertently led to a severe injury for Spurs’ captain.
Lamela is a player who divides the Tottenham fanbase, but his recent performances, like so many others, have been poor, and there needs to be some change, and for me, it has to be Lamela who is dropped.
Lucas Moura came on against the Seagulls and made more of an impact than Lamela did in the entire game.
Spurs face Watford in their next Premier League game and the starting XI should not include Lamela.
He has coasted for too long this season and should pay the price with his place in the side.