This led a large portion of fans, pundits and reporters to question who would go into this position.
Again it’s a simple solution which involves our record signing.
Lamela is an attacking force and should be deployed as a supporting striker (which will help to build confidence in front and around goal). 15 goals last season for Roma showed that the Argentinean has an eye for goal, but can also be an assist provider creating over 56 chances last season.
We need to inject pace back into our game, it is evident to all that our build up play and general style has slowed dramatically. With a player like Lamela to attack the defence with his pace and trickery it will only lead to spaces being created for Soldado.
We are yet to see AVB call upon Lamela and this is an opportune time to test out the youngster.
I would not put the pressure on the young lad to be the top performer against the likes of City and Utd, but he would create a hug problem for them to deal with.
A support striker is not just about setting up the striker, it is about carving the right pass and creating space for the rest of the team to move into.
This would mean that AVB would not have to change his team around at all, merely drop the youngster in.
Lamela has the potential to be an out and out striker, which would then give us Soldado, Defoe, him and Ade. I am not suggesting that we convert him, but it would be good to have.
Ideally I would like to see Lamela on the right and Townsend on the left, but in this situation I feel that the South American’s style could be just what Soldado needs. Lamela will draw players to him, giving Townsend the opportunity to run up the wings unmarked and lay those much-needed balls into the box. This brings pace back into the side through the middle and wing, which will only open space up in the box for Soldado (who would no longer have to drop for the ball).
Do I see AVB doing this? I don't know but I would like to see something change and Lamela given his minutes on the pitch to progress.
COYS!!!!
Email me on hogggatspursmad@hotmail.com or follow me on www.facebook.com/TottenhamMad and twitter https://twitter.com/THSpursMad