Mauricio Pochettino: Erik Lamela faces key season for Tottenham

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has challenged Erik Lamela to finally prove his quality this season.

The 23-year-old has largely disappointed since making a big-money switch from Roma in 2013.

The Argentina international has scored just two Premier League goals since arriving at White Hart Lane, and was rumoured to be close to leaving the club this summer.

However, Pochettino has decided to retain the South American, a show of faith which paid off last week with Lamela providing an assist for Ryan Mason's winning goal against Sunderland.

Tottenham's manager has urged fans to remain patient with the former River Plate forward, but admitted it was time for Lamela to prove his worth. 

"We believe we can develop his game and I think we need to be patient with him," Pochettino said.

I think this is a key season for him. After two seasons at Tottenham, now is the moment for him.

"It's true, now is the third season here, but we believe in him and we want to give the opportunity to show his value. We have a lot of games to play, for competition, we need a good player in all positions. I think with the squad we have, we have a very good balance.

"I think this is a key season for him. After two seasons at Tottenham, now is the moment for him. Not to put pressure, but it's true. It's a key moment for him to develop and to move on his game. It's important."

Pochettino believes that Lamela may have suffered from pressure after being compared to some of Argentina's greatest players early in his career.  

"Lamela was young, long, blond hair and he made big impact. Always if there was going to appear a player in this style, left-footed, before he was the new Maradona," said the Spurs boss.

"Now he's the new Messi. It's like this. All the people compare him with new Messi and it's impossible to stop that."

Lamela is likely to be included in the Spurs side that faces FK Qarabag at home in the Europa League on Thursday.