£30m man Erik Lamela urges Tottenham fans to be patient

Tottenham winger Erik Lamela has insisted he needs time to adjust to the Premier League before he can be judged on his £30 million move from AS Roma.

The 21-year-old was expected to be the man to fill the void left by Gareth Bale’s world-record transfer to Real Madrid, but the Argentine hasn’t fulfilled expectations yet.

The form of Andros Townsend has meant Lamela has played a small role for the north London club so far this season, starting just five games – all of which have been in the cup competitions.

“I think I need a bit of time,” Lamela told London Evening Standard.

“I feel good here, although getting used to life here in every sense is a completely different thing. I’ve barely been here two months, so time is maybe what I need.

“I need training, a bit of rhythm, some games. English football is very different from the game in Italy – much more physical, whereas Serie A is more tactical.

“It’s not necessarily more difficult, but it’s just different. This is a style of football I like very much, though, and I think, with the way I play, it will be very suited to my game.”

Andre Villas-Boas is hopeful that Lamela’s family moving to London will change the youngsters fortunes and Lamela is convinced he has what it takes to succeed.

“My moment will come and I will make the difference,” he continued.

“You always train thinking that you’re going to play. Sooner or later, my moment will arrive and I have to be ready. That is the way I am looking at it.

“I get on very well with Andre Villas-Boas. He is a great guy who clearly thinks about the future. Because of this, coming to Tottenham is a great step for me and in the future, we’ll see why.”

With the World Cup just around the corner it is important that Lamela gets back into the Spurs team soon or he risks losing his place in the Argentina squad.

“Of course, it’s also important for me to get into the Argentina squad for the World Cup, but I’m confident I’ll play here. We are involved in four competitions so there are many games ahead.”

Lamela created 56 chances last season for Roma. Only Francesco Totti created more for the club (102).