I've never seen lamela, so I hope he's as good as everyone says he is. People are hyping this kid up like he's something special, so I can't wait to see him in a spurs shirt (if it happens). However, I hope it's not a case of the majority getting carried away and overhyping him just because he's a target for us.
Lamela is the perfect replacement for bale. I hope it comes off because he is top quality Willian had fans split so I don't think too many are that bothered in the grand scheme of things - its lamela we don't want to miss out on. Also would like holtby who scored a screamer for under 21s to get a chance in the no10 role this season
I would rather trust Baldini to sign a player he knows from his time at Roma, after all thats why we brought him in, to recruit players based not just on ability, but their character, and potential. We looked at signing WIllian last year, so clearly this is more of an AVB target, as I very much doubt Baldini (when at roma) sent his scouts to Russia to watch WIllian 24 times, unless they where picking up their brides and family on the trips also. Lamela from what I gather is not just highly rated in Italy, but also in Argentina, so he is less of a risk, and even if it went wrong we could easily sell him as its expected he will be one of Argentina's key players at the world cup.
I have been reading about Lamela, it seems he was playing a creative role in Argentina, behind the striker but has been converted to a winger in Rome. Weak in defensive roles. So appears to be a versatile attacker with similarities to Bale in approach but without the defensive qualities. People are always impressed with players who run at defenders and take them on so we will have to see if and when he joins Spurs.
Just a question about work permits. I thought there was some qualification based on international appearances? If Will.i.an has only made two appearances then how does he qualify? If it's not based on internationals then what is it based on - as a Brazillian I don't think you can just turn up and work here.
We are not short of ball winners now so I think lamela would get the freedom to really express himself. I think it's an exciting signing if it happens - exactly the sort of player we traditionally love to see at spurs
With Sandro, Capoue and/or Dembele playing behind him surely he doesn't need to have defensive capabilities. I'd imagine he'd get more of a free role like Bale last season.
I wasn't suggesting he needed them DL just describing his abilities from reports. However defence starts at the front so it depends what is meant by lacking in defensive skills.
He does have some similarities to Bale. He doesn't have the break of pace and strength that Bale has but he's fast and has better ball control which counters not having that same devastating acceleration, the strength he can't really do much about. So whilst with Bale we might be used to him receiving the ball and virtually stopping, then barging his way past defenders with an incredible turn of pace, Lamela is more likely to keep taking the ball past players keeping up his momentum. Roma also moved Lamela inside last season and whilst I hope he'll be played coming off the right wing, there's scope for us to try him in that free role off the striker that Bale enjoyed so much in the second half of last season. Gareth Bale he aint but if there was more than one Bale(McEvoy aside) then he wouldn't be so special. I really, really, really, really hope we get him
Also how often did we see Bale's defensive capabilities last season? A couple of very notable exceptions but most of the time he walked back towards goal if the opposition were attacking.
As far as I am aware it's about whether the person is classed as "exceptional" in their field. So having played for Corinthians, Shaktar and Anzhi he has played for top teams in 3 different countries which would show he is an "exceptional talent". That could be absolute ****e, but I remember reading it somewhere
I think I remember reading that a lot of South American players dig about in their Spanish/Portuguese family roots to get dual Brazilian/Portuguese (e.g.) nationality or something? From there they're in the European Union and off they go anywhere they want in Europe. Though it might just be a hell of a lot easier to do it in non-EU countries like Russia, Ukraine etc. I'm sure there must be more to it than just that though. I heard a couple of years ago the number of various nationalities of the players who took part in all stages of the Champions League that year. There were about 200 Brazilians or something ridiculous (as I type that now it seems absurd). And Englishmen? About ten or less I think.
define "exceptional talent" though? that's very wishy washy, isn't it? A bit of a bizarre way to justify things. It could be easily argued that he went to the Ukraine and russia because no one else wanted him. and with only 2 international caps at 25? hmmm... perhaps not an exceptional talent.
I'd like us to make 4 signings before the end of the transfer window. Coentrao - Or Luke Shaw if Coentrao is a no go (more on that in a minute) Chichires - If Baldini rates him I trust it, never seen him Lamela - Top player would fill Bale's hole nicely (oo-er) He's back ... NEW STRIKER - If Soldado picks up an injury for a month or more we are in real trouble.... I have no idea who but we need someone especially if Ade goes. On Shaw - The way he plays (at LB) reminds me of how Bale was at Southampton / Spurs when he played at LB but more defensively solid. I'm not saying he'll turn out like Bale, but he has similar pace and strength and can whip in a cross. I'd be over the moon if we signed him.
I have no idea Roo! As I said I remember hearing it somewhere - like on those stupid programs sky sports run where they get the "inside info on transfer dealings and how they work!" But I've just woken up and it could all have been a dream!
Sorry TJ, I've just reread my post. I wasn't having a go at you LOL, it was a rhetorical question. Obviously you didn't make the definition up, i was just questioning whoever did.
No - what you said was true: http://www.internationalworkpermits.com/football-players-work-permits.html "- A player must have played for his country in at least 75% of its competitive 'A' team matches he was available for selection, during the two years preceding the date of the application; and - The player's country must be at or above 70th place in the official FIFA world rankings when averaged over the two years preceding the date of the application." And I also just read someone else saying how many South American players qualify for EU passports through parents/grandparents so this whole rule can often be circumvented anyhow.
