Martin Tyler has been blown away by the performances this season from re-born Tottenham attacking midfielder Erik Lamela.
The veteran Sky Sports commentator claimed in a Q&A on the Sky Sports Premier League Twitter account that the Argentine has “been one of the outstanding players in the Premier League this season”.
Asked for his verdict on Lamela, Tyler claimed the 26-year-old has made “a great recovery from his long-term injury problems”.
Martin Tyler: “Erik Lamela has been one of the outstanding players in the Premier League this season – a great recovery from his long-term injury problems.”
Full answer ? https://t.co/M85lCGEkK2 #AskTyler https://t.co/sJDQaa6tJj
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 19, 2018
OPINION
Steady on, Martin. Sure, Lamela has make a big impact for Tottenham this season, scoring six goals from 13 matches in all competitions. But it is a bit of broadcaster hyperbole to claim he has been one of the best in the Premier League. Indeed, the Argentine has started only a third of Spurs’ 12 league fixtures – the last four against West Ham, Manchester City, Wolves and Crystal Palace. He is in form at the minute, and in the team on merit, but would he be starting tomorrow if Mauricio Pochettino had everyone available and had to name his strongest possible XI? It’s likely he would be fighting with Lucas Moura and Son Heung-Min for one place. That said, Lamela has revived his career after a nightmare 2017 in which he underwent double hip surgery and appeared set for the Spurs exit door. He has stayed on to further cement his cult hero status among supporters, and produced a set of performances that match anything in his career to date.