It is very early in the season, but Erik Lamela has so far had an excellent start to the season for Spurs.
He was arguably their best outfield player on Saturday against Manchester City, and he looks set to have a big year.
The 27-year-old scored one and set up another – as he took his brilliant pre-season form into the Premier League.
Lamela scored three goals in pre-season and has taken advantage of Tottenham missing some key players and laid down a real marker to other members of the Spurs’ squad.
The former Roma man has often flattered to deceive in his six years in North London, but this could finally be the year he shows what he is worth.
On Saturday Lamela took advantage of some poor goalkeeping to open his account for the season and then he provided a brilliant corner that found Lucas Moura – who powered a header into the net.
In the game against Aston Villa it was Lamela’s shot that led to Harry Kane scoring the crucial second goal.
Lamela has, therefore, had quite the start for Tottenham, and though his country ignored him, Pochettino clearly rates him very highly and even with Dele Alli and Heung-min Son to return – Lamela should have done enough to keep his place in the side.
The main issue the 27-year-old has had since he joined Tottenham for £30m is that he has had a lot of injuries – that have disrupted his game time.
This season he looks fit, sharp and hungry to make an impact. If he can stay clear of injury, then this could be the season where Lamela finally announces himself at Tottenham.