IMO Lamela is perfect backup for Eriksen. Just don't play them together. Eriksen has flourished this season surrounded by pace (Son, Walker, Rose, Wanyama, Jan, Toby etc) and power (Kane, Dembele, Wanyama, Dier etc)
Lamela has no power/pace. If we go back to playing Lamela, Kane, Dier, Eriksen, Dembele and Dier we will have the slowest midfield/attack in the prem: At Wembley?
IMO the mix at the end of the season was perfect. Son's pace was SO underrated. It was a catalyst to bring Eriksen, Alli and Kane into the game. If we slow it down with Lamela we will be back to 4th.
It's not the player/skill/ability. It's physics. We need to match the speed of Chelsea etc to dominate. It's why I didn't melt down when Poch benched Dembele. Before we knew it was an injury we thought it was general rotation. But tactically it's good.
I don't want Alli, Dembele, Dier, Eriksen and Kane bunched close together. As a collective it's too slow.
When I say "too slow" I mean they will still dominate most teams. But I honestly think with more pace in the attack, experience and a set piece taker to keep Eriksen on his toes we will not only win the title, but dominate Europe.
I think Lamela would have put up Eriksens numbers with the same lineup. Eriksen and Lamela are just not good partners. Stylistic/physical/movement clashes. We were spoiled this season with Eriksens fitness. One bad tackle and he can be out for 10 months (like Lamela). So we need backup.
I just hope Lamela is not crocked. He was so determined and does not deserve a second major injury.
I'm hoping we don't sign a Siggy. Again it's not the skills, it's physical. PACE!