Tottenham Hotspur head coach Mauricio Pochettino believes this will be a key season for club record signing Erik Lamela.

The 23-year-old has failed to live up to his promise since a £30 million switch from Roma in 2013.

Lamela was one of a number of additions that summer following Gareth Bale's world record move to Real Madrid and whilst a number of those - including Paulinho, Etienne Capoue and Vlad Chiriches - have moved on this summer, the Argentine remains at White Hart Lane.

Pochettino told Sky Sports this, the ex-River Plate attacker's third season in the Premier League, was crucial.

He said: "I think this is a key season for him. After two seasons at Tottenham, now is the moment for him. Not to put pressure, but it's true. It's a key moment for him to develop and to move on his game. It's important."

"We believe we can develop his game and I think we need to be patient with him," he continued.

"It's true, now is the third season here, but we believe in him and we want to give the opportunity to show his value. We have a lot of games to play, for competition, we need a good player in all positions.

"I think with the squad we have, we have a very good balance," added Pochettino.