Most improved player?

[PowerSpurs]

Lennypops said: "3) Erik Lamela. Not that's he's better than Walker - he's not. But **** me he looked crap when he joined. But he's completely bought into the Poch system, he's become so much stronger both on and off the ball, he's even starting to be someone who I actually would trust with a penalty (oh well - it was bloody **** as it turned out but at least it shows you something that he wanted it). I genuinely think something might happen when he's on the ball around the area nowadays. Still needs to use his right foot a hell of a lot more. It's not *that* bad. But genuinely a totally different and more effective player than the flash-harry weakling kid whose tricks never came off and couldn't pass who turned up in 2013."
Sadly, I disagree here. I think he improved beyond recognition at one stage, but has now reverted to almost the same flamboyant, petulant, self-regarding player who arrived here. Such a disappointment. He seems intent on giving the ball away the whole time (even, as I've commented elsewhere, when he takes a penalty!). Occasional brilliant moments - eg the pass for Son's goal vs CSK) provide little compensation. I really wanted him to succeed, but I don't think he can be saved now.

I really don't agree with this. He is invaluable because he both works hard and has the flair to try stuff near the opponent's box where if it comes off we get a goal. He will have loads more failures than successes but its better to try the things he does than the aimless crosses that many people want instead.

 

["Thanks for that Brian"]

I'm a big Lamela fan. We are less effective when he doesn't play. Maybe tempering the amount of flicks and highly risky passes would help us to retain possession and face less counter-attacks but we're trying to attack at pace and generally, it looked very good on Sunday. One could criticize Dele and Son for regularly being offside or Son for shooting at the near post too often. They're true and need work but nothing too excessive.

However, finishing is not his greatest talent. I wouldn't want to see him take another penalty. Left footed penalty takers have less success than right footed ones - it's a fact borne out by stats. He also hit it so that it was curving across Bravo (rather than around him if he'd gone left) at a very saveable height and distance. Eriksen takes them for Denmark. If Kane's not on the pitch, he should take them

 

[Spurm]

Both Lamela and Eriksen are VERY important defensively.

 

[The RDBD]

Agree with Audrey on this one. Competition is intense now, and only excellence is required. Lamela has not shown it this season, and I don't see him holding down a regular place. Not in the starting x1 anyway. Too many options.

If Lamela doesn't get back up to the level of last season, he will not hold a regular
starting place. So the manager and he himself must be perfectly clear on this.

And not just Lamela either.