Mauricio Pochettino has urged Erik Lamela to prove his worth to Tottenham Hotspur this season.

Lamela has struggled to prove his critics wrong since Spurs made him their club-record signing when he joined from Roma in the summer of 2013.

Despite being linked with a move away from North London in the transfer window, the Argentine was kept at the club and Pochettino believes that the winger must now deliver the goods on a consistent basis.

"We believe we can develop his game and I think we need to be patient with him," the Spurs boss told reporters.

"It's true, now is the third season here, but we believe in him and we want to give the opportunity to show his value. We have a lot of games to play, for competition, we need a good player in all positions. I think with the squad we have, we have a very good balance.

"I think this is a key season for him. After two seasons at Tottenham, now is the moment for him. Not to put pressure, but it's true. It's a key moment for him to develop and to move on his game. It's important."

Spurs begin their Europa League campaign against Qarabag FK on Thursday.