Erik Lamela has it all to prove at Tottenham with midfield options plentiful

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Tottenham Hotspur have a plethora of options in midfield at the moment, and there’s one man who is set to head into a critical period in terms of his Spurs career.

Erik Lamela has been with Spurs since 2013, signing for a reported £25.7 million (BBC Sport) – a sum that was raised after the club cashed in on Gareth Bale for a reported £85 million (BBC Sport).

Ironically, the Welsh superstar being back at the club is somewhat of a blow for Lamela.

But it’s not just Bale who poses a threat to regular minutes for the Argentine.

There is now a host of options available to Jose Mourinho.

Lamela can play as a central attacking midfielder or a winger. That means he’s in competition with Bale, Heung-min Son, Lucas Moura, Steven Bergwijn, Moussa Sissoko and Tanguy Ndombele. Then, there’s Dele Alli and Gedson Fernandes who aren’t even making the squad consistently at the moment.

Also, given Harry Kane’s ability to drop deep and work as a number 10 it can be argued the England captain could be competition too.

With his contract expiring in the summer of 2022, an underwhelming campaign for Lamela might just see the club look at cashing in in one of the next two windows unless he makes a real statement.

TBR’s View – A big season for Lamela

The level of competition is fantastic for Spurs and exactly what is required to fight for the top four and maybe even the title.

But from a personal perspective, Lamela has quite a lot to prove given the many players vying for starting spots.

Lamela is adored by some Tottenham fans, while others feel that, largely, his seven-year stint at the club has been underwhelming.

During those seven years, competition has never been as fierce as it is now and so Lamela must bust a gut if he is to see out his current contract or earn an extension.