Tottenham's Record Signing Vows to Adapt to More Physical English Game

Tottenham Hotspur winger Erik Lamela realises that he must quickly adapt to life in the Premier League if he wishes to secure a place in the Argentina squad for next summer's World Cup in Brazil.

The 21 year old became Tottenham's record signing when he moved from Roma for £30m but he has yet to make a major impact at White Hart Lane as he attempts to come to terms with playing in the Premier League.

While fellow summer signings Roberto Soldado, Paulinho and Christian Eriksen have seamlessly made the transition to playing in England, Lamela has featured in seven games but has failed to demonstrate the form that saw him become one of the most talked about players in Italy.

Lamela has remained a key figure for Argentina who finished top of the South American qualifying group despite losing 3-2 to Uruguay on Tuesday night - a game in which the Spurs winger played 72 minutes.

However, which plenty of competition for places Lamela has revealed that he must quickly adapt to a more physical game in England in order to make sure that he is in the plans of manager Alejandro Sabella.

"English football is much more physical than the Italian game, which is based more on tactics," Lamella told Argentine daily Clarin.

"I talked a lot with my team-mates and I know that I have to adapt as quickly as possible if I do not want to lose my place at the World Cup."

Lamela has yet to start a Premier League game this season but has been introduced on four occasions from the bench.

With plenty of competition in the wide areas from Aaron Lennon, Nacer Chadli and the in-form Andros Townsend, Lamela will have to quickly come to terms with the Premier League if he is to make a significant impact this season.

There was a thought that the Argentine was the one summer signing that could go on to replicate the performances of Gareth Bale after scoring 15 league goals last season in Serie A.