Erik Lamela vs Miralem Pjanic: Did Tottenham buy the wrong Roma man?

Erik Lamela-Miralem Pjanic

With Gareth Bale’s transfer to Real Madrid a known certainty, even if it took until the final days to complete, Tottenham started throwing some money around this summer.

One of the most exciting prospects before the start of the season was the rumours that linked them with Erik Lamela and Miralem Pjanic of Roma. It was thought that the Italian club were only willing to part with one of their talented youngsters and, as we now know, that turned out to be Lamela.

Lamela, who scored 15 goals in Serie A last season, was seen as a direct replacement for the Madrid-bound Bale. His ability to roam across the attacking line and create chances as well as scoring his own drew admiring glances from Andre Villas-Boas. Although Lamela found himself on the right for the majority of last season, he favours his left foot and can play on either flank as well as through the centre, just like the aforementioned Welshman.

Areas of the pitch where Lamela created his 56 chances in 2012/13

Areas of the pitch where Bale created his 75 chances in 2012/13

However, the Argentina international has struggled to settle so far in the Premier League and has recently mentioned his desire to impress soon before he loses more ground on his positional rivals for club and country.

“English football is more physical and not as tactical as the Italian game, and I talk to my team-mates about that.

“To keep my place in the national squad I have to make an impression for my club. Being with the national side is the dream for any footballer.” said Lamela in a recent interview.

Playing only 72 minutes across 4 appearances so far this season, Lamela’s struggle has been exacerbated by the fine form of Andros Townsend. England’s new hero has successfully completed more take-ons than any other player in the Premier League and has become a starter for England in the last few weeks.

With a player like Townsend already in their ranks it makes you wonder why Andre Villas-Boas decided to sign a winger rather than a creative midfielder like Pjanic. The Bosnia & Herzegovina international has an 89% pass completion rate and has laid on three assists for his team-mates as Roma have started the season with an impressive 100% record.

Pjanic’s performance for Roma so far this season

Despite showing good early form, the 3-0 home defeat at the hands of West Ham will have been a bitter blow to Andre Villas-Boas as he looks to take advantage of managerial changes at the other title challengers.