Friday 2 October 2015 12:42, UK
Tottenham winger Erik Lamela says he cannot put his finger on the reason for his vast improvement in form this season, but is confident the best is yet to come.
Many had written off the 23-year-old as a costly Premier League flop after an underwhelming first two seasons at White Hart Lane.
It seemed during the summer that Spurs were willing to let the £30m club-record signing follow the likes of Roberto Soldado, Paulinho and Vlad Chiriches out of the club, but their patience appears to be paying off now.
Lamela has begun to impress on a consistent basis this term, following up a man-of-the-match display in Tottenham's 4-1 comeback win against Manchester City by scoring in Thursday's 1-1 Europa League draw in Monaco.
"I don't know what has changed," Lamela said, conducting an interview in English for the first time. "I am working hard every day to find my best.
"The team helps me and I want to help the team.
"I don't know [if it is because I am more settled]. I need to keep working, keep working hard every day. I am always wanting to help my team."
Last year's appointment of compatriot Mauricio Pochettino appears to have helped Lamela belatedly find his feet at White Hart Lane.
The former Argentina international has an impressive record of coaxing the best out of young talent and the Spurs head coach has enjoyed his recent displays.
"I am happy for us and the team too," Pochettino said.
"When the player plays well and improves their performance, it is good for the team. This is important - to always believe in them and give them confidence.
"You wait always for players to show more, more, more and more. This is the same for all players.
"You expect always the best for young players and for Erik it is good to score again to help his confidence."
Despite conceding a frustrating, late equaliser against Monaco, Spurs still sit atop of Group J in the Europa League.
Lamela was on the scoresheet again at the Stade Louis II and, while the finish was straightforward enough, the skill he displayed in starting the move was anything but.
The Argentina international showed exquisite quick feet by rolling the ball onto his right and playing through Nacer Chadli.
"I can't remember it," Lamela added.
"The goal was from a good counter-attack. I think we deserved it because the break was good. We deserved a little bit more from the game, but it is not a bad result because we play away.
"We need to win the next game at home [in the Europa League] and try to get three points there."
