Lamela: I could face Spurs & Argentina axe if I don’t adapt quickly

Tottenham’s record transfer Erik Lamela has admitted he needs to settle into English football quickly, having so far failed to set the Premier League alight since his big-money move from Roma. Lamela has yet to start a league game for Spurs, despite them paying a club-record £30 million to prise him from Italy in the summer. Lamela discussed his form in Argentinian newspaper Clarin, telling them he must adapt quickly in order to get into both his club side and the Argentine World Cup squad.

He has made four league appearances from the bench so far for Spurs, and admits that the style of football in a new league is taking some getting used to.

“English football is much more physical while the game is more tactical in Italy,” he told Clarin.

Lamela has a tough task to get into both sides, following a summer in which Spurs invested heavily in midfield areas following the departure of Gareth Bale. The Argentine was the most expensive of those signings, but has so far only started in the Capital One Cup and Europa League.

He continued: “I have been talking a lot with my team-mates and I know that I have to adapt as quickly as possible if I want to ensure my place in the team and at the national team.”

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Erik Lamela completed 99 successful take ons last season – 40 more than the the man he replaced at Spurs, Gareth Bale.

Lamela’s duel statistics at Roma last season