Jan Vertonghen says he is excited to see what Erik Lamela can do in the Champions League as Tottenham gear up for their opening group game against Monaco at Wembley tonight.
Half of Lamela’s 18 goals for Spurs have come in Europe, and four of them came against Monaco in the Europa League group stage last season – including a hat-trick in December’s home fixture at White Hart Lane.
Vertonghen is now hoping for more of the same from his team-mate, having been impressed by the Argentine’s improvement since his arrival from Roma in 2013.
“He was new and he had to adapt to the Premier League,” said the Belgian defender. “I remember in the first season when he came I had a couple of injuries, and I was together with him.
“He wanted it so badly and he wanted to play so much that he pushed himself, and he might have pushed himself too much.
“He’s been fully fit for two years now and he’s shown us how important he is. If he doesn’t play then we feel it and he’s a great addition for us.
“Lamela is an unbelievable player. If he doesn’t score goals he gives assists, and he works so hard for the team. He always does well in Europe so I can’t wait to see him in the Champions League.”
(Ham & High)
