Lamela: “It’s crazy how time goes so quickly”

Blink, and Erik Lamela has been at Spurs for over seven years.

Now preparing for his eighth season here having joined us in the summer of 2013, the all-action attacker has one aim for 2020/21.

“I want to win this season with this Club,” said the Argentinian international, who has overcome some serious injuries to climb up to 222 appearances in all competitions for us, including 35 last season.

As we all know, he’s been close. Erik has been involved in two cup finals (League Cup, 2015; Champions League, 2019), another three semi-finals and helped us finish second and third, twice, in the Premier League.

He stated: “After so many years, and we were close so many times to achieve big things, I think now, this season has to be the season where we go for it. I know every player will do the maximum, and more, starting this week. We need to start really strong against Everton.

“I know we have a great team and the mentality of all the players is good. Me too. I have the mentality to help the team, and I will push my team-mates to try to do something big.

“If this season we can do it as a team, we can build something really important.”

Now 28, Erik recently celebrated the birth of his second child. “I’m becoming an old man now!" he smiled. "I’m happy. Two kids, my family... yes, I’m enjoying life.”