Érik Lamela is Still a Part of Tottenham’s Offense
Mauricio Pochettino still has a plan that involves Tottenham winger, Érik Lamela, in his offense.
Érik Lamela’s last Premier League start was against Sunderland on January 16, a 4-1 win at White Hart Lane. Since then, the Argentine international has been an unused substitute against Crystal Palace and played for one minute against Norwich City as a very late second half sub.
But rest assured there’s nothing wrong with the 23-year-old. Lamela is still a part of Pochettino’s plans despite what would seem otherwise in the Premiership.
Now, there’s two good reasons why the Argentinian hasn’t gotten a much bigger role in recent Premier League fixtures against Palace and Norwich. And it stems from Tottenham’s congested schedule, plus the re-emergence of Son Heung-min in the starting lineup.
RELATED: Will Tottenham Adjust for Watford Again?
Following Spurs’ big victory over Sunderland, Tottenham would play four games in 17 days. Half of those games, Érik Lamela would get a start, but he wouldn’t finish the game. Those two fixtures would be FA Cup ties against Leicester City (third round) and Colchester United (fourth round).
Because Son Heung-min put in a good shift against Leicester City on January 20 at the King Power Stadium. And looked good throughout the game — even netting a goal — this has helped the South Korean international get reinserted into the starting eleven.
Although out wide as the right midfielder.
With Son occupying Lamela’s spot and doing very well, plus Tottenham’s congested schedule, it has forced the Argentine winger to play in the FA Cup while Son plays in the Premier League.
In essence it looks as if Érik Lamela’s role has been reduced, but it’s actually not. Lamela’s last start, against Colchester United was on January 30. However, a hot-hand approach could also be a solid reason as to why Mauricio Pochettino has started Son Heung-min at right midfield recently.
But it could also be something much more than that.
Whether it’s by design, or simply unintentional, Pochettino looks to be recreating a competition at right midfield like he has done with the left-back position. And at times, the right-back spot.
More from Hotspur HQ
- Storybook ending after difficult period for Tottenahm’s Richarlison
- Tottenham comeback showcased invaluable intangible Ange has cultivated
- Tottenham player ratings in 2-1 comeback win over Sheffield United
- Tottenham projected starting 11 for Sheffield United
- Tottenham’s Richarlison says he’s going to seek psychological help
By doing this, it will give Pochettino more incentive to rediscover the amount of depth that he currently has on his squad.
This dosen’t mean Pochettino doesn’t rotate his lineup enough. But having competition throughout the 25-man squad will give others more opportunities to play while giving certain players some much needed rest.
For example, Ben Davies has split time with Danny Rose at left-back and their appearances are nearly identical.
Kieran Trippier had to wait for his chance to get starts. And now he looks like he’s a shoe-in to start when Tottenham have to play in multiple fixtures with little rest in-between.
In short, it’s part competition and part match-up based that the full-back positions have a healthy amount of rotation going on. And with Son Heung-min getting more playing time, and cutting into Érik Lamela’s minutes, this should continue against Watford tomorrow (Saturday, February 6).
Next: Key Battles: Tottenham v Watford
Because Lamela started in the reverse fixture, the Argentine winger looks like he has the fast track to get the start once again. If for whatever reason that he doesn’t, and it goes to Son instead, this will be that hot-hand approach that was mentioned above.
Yes, Erik Lamela is more balanced than Son Heung-min. Yes, Lamela is a willing tackler and will tirelessly chase the opposition more than Son would. But despite all of that, Mauricio Pochettino tends to give the benefit of the doubt to players who are playing well recently.
And in this instance, the South Korean international has perhaps impressed Pochettino more in recent weeks than his compatriot has in the same time frame.