Not only did Lamela score his first goal for Spurs and win us a penalty, but he also showed us what he was bought for.
At best we spend around 4% of our game in the right wing position, however against Sheriff this rose to 6.29%. It certainly showed as Lamela turned Paye inside out with his tricks, turns and twists. This figure will only grow should he be given the chance.
He was then able to link up the play between the right wing and our attackers in the box and this is what we have been missing.
Although Townsend has been a revelation this season he is still prone to cut in early and then shoot. Although this worked with Bale Townsend is not quite ready to produce what we have been missing since Bale's departure.
This is by no means at any detriment to Townsend, but merely an insight into the player still not having enough experience. We all know this will change in time.
My suggestion is that we change the midfield around now that Lamela is beginning to show his worth. Lamela MUST be given the opportunity on the right IMMEDIATELY (while his confidence is still high) and Townsend can then be deployed in his more natural Left Midfield position.
Again proof of his settling is very clear looking at the stats from his last game (against Sheriff); 102 points, 87% pass success, 1 goal to 4 attempts and his points just mounted up as he built in confidence and the game went on.
A younger player thrives on confidence and it was wrong to leave him out of the Newcastle game. When the confidence starts to fade we need to build him up again to then get another performance that he can then build on.
For those that are still moaning about the goals not being scored, we all know that it is due to poor service. You get that right and the goals will follow (even if you dropped in a Sunday League player).
On the flip side to this I remember what AVB did with Lloris. He did not drop Brad until he was 100% confident that Llrois was ready (Brad’s performances were never taken into account). Maybe he just doesn't feel Erik was ready. If this is the case we have to really go on AVB's record and think he is doing it for a reason.
Being stubborn is one thing (in ref to AVB), but for me I would prefer to shut the critics up, so field Lamela and when it doesn't work you can tell the world that you wanted them to see he is not ready. It will do no harm either way as we have struggled in midfield going forward.
Lamela simply engaged the rest of the team, he took the ball high up and players were then able to concentrate on their positioning to then present him with an opportunity to draw players in and create space resulting in devastating effect.
What are your thoughts though? Do we play Lamela? Do we wait for AVB to decide he is ready? Do we force AVB's hand and demand for his inclusion?
For me I believe AVB will ultimately make the right choice (as he did with Hugo), but I am becoming impatient with the negativity that is now surrounding our club and feel that we must do whatever it takes to get rid of it.
COYS!!!!
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