Tottenham Hotspur legend Ledley King has credited manager Mauricio Pochettino for helping transform Erik Lamela’s fortunes in North London.
Lamela’s improvement this season was evident in his performance in yesterday’s crucial 3-0 win over Manchester United at White Hart Lane.
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The Argentine assisted Toby Alderweireld’s header with a delightful free-kick delivery, and completed the scoring with a crisp finish two minutes later.
He also won the ball back for Dele Alli’s 70th-minute opener in a display in which his industry was as important as his attacking contribution.
According to Sky Sports, Lamela led the way in tackles (nine), duels won (12) and sprints (64), and covered more ground than any other player (11.29km).
It is a huge improvement on the player who looked to be a waste of money two seasons after his £30m arrival from Roma – fee reported by The Telegraph.
Former Spurs captain Ledley King told Sky Sports that Pochettino deserves praise for developing Lamela and maintaining faith in his compatriot.
“He’s been very patient with him and obviously the Argentinian link has helped Erik,” King told Sky Sports. “We’ve seen a big improvement from him this season, and it’s not just his goals, it’s his assists and work-rate. He looks stronger, and the manager’s got a big part to play in that.
“He’s got the pace of the Premier League now. When he first came he probably thought he’d get more time on the ball but he quickly had to realise that you don’t get it in the Premier League. His game has quickened up and he’s got stronger as a player.”
Lamela has scored 10 goals and contributed six assists for Tottenham in all competitions this season. He managed only six goals in his first two seasons at Spurs.
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