Did Tottenham Make a Mistake in Signing Erik Lamela?

For the remainder of his Tottenham career, and probably for the rest of his life, Erik Lamela will likely be synonymous with his enormous transfer fee and an unfairly perceived failure to justify it. 

Spurs broke their transfer record three times in the summer of 2013: first for the "Brazilian Frank Lampard" Paulinho, then Spanish striker Roberto Soldado and finally Lamela. 

Paulinho is gone, and Soldado is likely to follow him this summer. But Lamela remains. 

At the very least, Lamela was evidently not the biggest mistake of that infamous summer spree. 

His fitful brilliance at Roma convinced Tottenham to part with at least £25.8 million (up to £30 million, according to the BBC).

Lamela's first season was damaged by Andre Villas-Boas' inconsistent approach and finally undone by a back injury that he attempted to play through, only to worsen the condition. 

2014-15 saw a more effective player and flashes of potential that the Argentine undoubtedly possesses. 

He became a regular part of the first team but could not be described as a key player. 

At the same time, his importance should not be understated.

Having been given extra time off following his Copa America campaign with Argentina, Lamela's fitness levels meant he was not ready to start the opening-day trip to Old Trafford. 

His introduction off the bench coincided with an improved period of play against Manchester United, and he was heavily involved in the late flurry that almost drew Tottenham level. 

He is certain to return to the starting lineup when he is ready.

Spurs have no other effective options on the right flank, and Lamela's defensive contributions outweigh those of any of their other attacking players. 

He is also still only 23 and improving consistently. 

To determine whether Spurs did in fact make a mistake in acquiring Lamela, one could consider similar players who moved in the same window. 

Exciting forward Stevan Jovetic joined Manchester City for £22 million, Chelsea acquired German attacker Andre Schurrle for £18 million and Everton snapped up attack-minded midfielder James McCarthy for £13 million. 

Realistically, Spurs could not compete with Chelsea or City on the basis of wages. McCarthy moved to join former Wigan boss Roberto Martinez, so none of these three were available.

Similarly, the €30 million Isco was within Tottenham's price range. But the allure of Real Madrid is irresistible, and the Spanish star made that move instead.

Spurs needed to bring in star power and numbers after a transfer window in which they lost their best player, Gareth Bale, and a host of squad players. 

Lamela was overpriced. But Roma were under no obligation to sell, and the Argentine's youth and high potential go some way to justifying the fee. 

The fact that all of Europe knew Spurs were cash-rich undoubtedly helped Roma's negotiating position. 

His countryman, Angel Di Maria, endured similar struggles and has now fled to France. Lamela is made of sterner stuff. 

The determination he possesses, along with his indisputable quality, justify Spurs' acquisition of him. 

He has not yet taken the Premier League by storm, but Lamela is not out of place there. 

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His presence in the starting lineup 25 times last season was earned. His profligacy in possession has been frustrating, but Lamela works hard without the ball and is a threat that takes defenders away from Harry Kane. 

Spurs are a better team and a more potent attacking threat with Lamela than without him. 

There were few alternatives available to a club desperate for attacking talent, youth and potential to become top class. 

On that basis, the claim that Tottenham made a mistake in signing Lamela cannot be justified.