Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino has insisted that playmaker Erik Lamela is starting to show his 'real talent and quality' at the club.

The Argentine had found things tough going since joining from Roma a few seasons ago, but the 23-year-old has become an instrumental part of the Spurs side in the early stages of the new campaign.

"You know he has the potential, but the last two seasons were difficult for him," said Pochettino, according to the Daily Mail.

"It is good for him and good for us that he is starting to show his real talent and his real quality.

"Always you need time and in football sometimes it is difficult to find the time to give the player, because always we expect quick and positive results from the player. We know this season is very important for him because it is true - after two seasons he needs to show his real quality."

Lamela was on the scoresheet when Spurs beat Manchester City 4-1 last time out in the Premier League.