Erik Lamela has told Tottenham fans they will see his true potential this season after starring in their 3-2 preseason friendly victory over Toronto FC.
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The forward endured a disappointing, injury-hit debut season in the Premier League last year, making just three starts as he failed to justify his 30 million-pound price tag after moving from Roma in what was a club-record fee for Spurs.
However, the 21-year-old showed glimpses of the form that saw the club bring him to White Hart Lane, netting two goals against Toronto before Andros Townsend sealed the win late on.
"It's something I would like to do [carry his preseason form into the upcoming campaign], but I have to continue to work," said Lamela. "As the season progresses I will continue to get better.
"I felt like I was able to play a good 45 minutes. Overall I think the team did really well and I'm happy with the performance today.
"I had an unfortunate injury last season that kept me out of play for quite some time. In the same way, it's helped me emotionally and morally to get better and work harder towards this season."#INSERT type:inline END#
Manager Mauricio Pochettino was quick to laud Lamela's contribution against Toronto and is backing him to star in the coming campaign.
"We expect a lot from him, he's an unbelievable player," said Pochettino. "He needs to show us that he deserves to play, but at the moment we are happy with his performance."
Spurs announced the double capture of Michel Vorm and Ben Davies from Swansea -- with Gylfi Sigurdsson going the other way -- prior to kick-off as Pochettino finally started his summer transfer business.
Full-back Davies made his debut against Toronto and Pochettino belies the 21-year-old could prove vital next season.
"The season is very long and we need to stay deep at every position," added Pochettino.
"Ben Davies is important for us because he's good competition for Danny Rose on the left side. He's a young player, but he has good experience in the Premier League."