AVB gives backing to young winger.
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Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas has warned new signing Erik Lamela that he faces a tough battle to stay in the starting line up ahead of Andros Townsend and stay in the squad, talkSPORT reports.
The Argentinian was a club-record summer signing from Roma but has yet to start a Premier League game for Spurs. However, Andros Townsend’s fine form has kept him in contention for regular starting roles, whilst Belgian Nacer Chadli was chosen to replace him during the 1-1 draw with Chelsea last weekend.
He did start during the side’s 2-0 victory over Anzhi Makhachkala on Thursday, but he did not live up to the standards expected of him, though tricky playing conditions can’t have helped his cause much.
And Villas-Boas has insisted that although he is pleased with what he’s seen of Lamela’s brief appearances, which did yield an assist as he created Paulinho’s winner against Cardiff City, the winger must produce something special to oust Townsend.
“I am extremely happy with what Erik has been doing,” revealed the Portuguese manager. “It was difficult for him because he is a player that likes to be creative, involved in short combinations and he couldn’t come into the game as much as we wanted.
“They were difficult conditions [in Russia}. The pitch was awful and it was difficult for technical players to make a difference.
“We still tried to play the ball but you saw many times we lost it.
“But up until now I’m extremely happy with what he’s been doing. He just faces tough competition from Andros Townsend, who has also been doing very well, for that position.”