Former Newcastle midfielder Steve Howey has exclusively told This is Futbol that Tottenham attacker Erik Lamela has struggled with the “physical” demands of the Premier League.
Lamela made the £25.7m switch from Roma back in 2013, but has never managed to be first-choice at Spurs despite playing under four managers during his eight seasons in north London.
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The Argentine has produced the occasional moment of brilliance. No more so than two exquisite Rabonas – the second of which coming in Tottenham’s defeat at Arsenal last month.
But Lamela’s Spurs career has been overshadowed by a host of different hip, back, and hamstring problems, which have seen him miss more than 130 matches in all competitions.
Since returning from his latest calf issue around Christmas, the 28-year-old has been injury-free, and had featured in 10 Premier League games on the bounce until his sending off in the north London derby kept him out of the Aston Villa win.
And whilst Howey recognises Lamela ability, he believes his sheer number of injuries have caught up on him.
When asked why it hasn’t worked out for him, Howey told This is Futbol:
“I couldn’t tell you, there’s no doubt he’s a talent. He scored that Rabona, a fantastic strike, cheeky, but it paid off, and it’s a great strike.
“But I just think in the Premier League, if you’re one of them skilful, creative players, you need to be more robust. But he’s probably picked up one or two more injuries, and I just think it’s the physicality he’s not great with.”