Tottenham kick-started their Barclays Premier League season with a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park, and there was one player that caught the eye of the fans.
That player being Spurs’ wide playmaker Erik Lamela.
Although the end result wasn’t the one most fans had hoped for, nicking a 1-1 draw at Everton is still a good result considering Spurs fell behind early on.
Ross Barkley put the Toffees ahead after his free-kick was misjudged by Hugo Lloris and the defence and sailed through into the bottom corner; this was later cancelled out by Erik Lamela’s neat header in the second half after the Argentinean got the beating of his man.
The wide playmaker was very lively on the right-hand side and was a nuisance all afternoon; he scored a good goal and saw his fine shot deflected onto the bar after a fine save by Stekelnsburg to give Spurs the lead.
The tricky wide-man managed a very impressive 76% passing accuracy against Everton and also managed a 67% shot accuracy. The winger often roamed around the midfield positions and popped up centrally too, his creativity saw him manage 100% successful take ons against Everton, showing why he caused their defence such a problem.
Although this was the opening game in Spurs’ campaign he certainly looks set to cement himself a place in their starting XI, Lamela tracked back well and supported the attack efficiently, which saw Spurs more or less dominate the second half.
Lamela wasn’t the fans favourite immediately after he joined the club but the way he finished last season combined with the way he is starting this one shows that he is adapting well to the Premier League, and finally showing why Tottenham were happy to spend big to bring him to the club.
Mauricio Pochettino has many options to choose from for his starting team, but if Lamela picks up a consistent run and continues to shine like he did against Everton, he will certainly find himself starting each week and could go on to have a very impressive season.
Here’s what Spurs fans thought of his performance.
There's a lot to be said about Erik Lamela's growth at Tottenham. His nasty streak a good sign of growth in responsibility. Nasty is good.
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) August 13, 2016
Lamela scores with a fine header.
— Rafael Hernández (@RafaelH117) August 13, 2016
Slow start, really good second half performance. Lamela now looks the player we thought we were getting keep up great work @ErikLamela #CSWY
— SpursCANTSMILE (@Spurscantsmile) August 14, 2016
https://twitter.com/Aperry98/status/764580948855971841
Got a very good feeling this year will be the year lamela justifys the 30mil we paid for #COYS?
— Rhino (@RyanMustchin) August 14, 2016
He was brilliant last season but I reckon Erik Lamela is really gonna step up this season. ??⚽️ #COYS
— Nicky ? (@BlockHeadStick) August 13, 2016
https://twitter.com/EMullan95/status/764489817203834880
Never win on the opening day, my bet that Lamela will score all of Tottenham's goals this season is looking good though. #COYS
— Tim (@CookPassTim) August 13, 2016
Very good header by Lamela
— #TouchlineFracas (@touchlinefracas) August 13, 2016
Take the point in end @kylewalker2 @ErikLamela Danny Rose all very good.
— Graham Roberts (@GrahamRoberts4) August 13, 2016
Since his arrival, Erik Lamela has failed to produce top quality performances on a consistent basis and struggled to win the hearts of the Spurs faithful, but after his sublime display against Everton he looks set to kick-start this season and pay back the reported £25 million they paid for his services.
