Erik Lamela

19 year old Erik Lamela is so highly regarded in his homeland of Argentina, that there have already been comparisons with the great Diego Maradona and Juan Roman Riquelme. The attacking midfielder has just completed a move to Roma from River Plate.

Erik Lamela has been signed by Roma for 12m EUR; a huge fee for a player so young.

The attacking midfielder is especially comfortable with his left foot, drawing comparisons with Diego Maradona. At the age of 12, Lamela was already enjoying national press coverage after showing his exciting talent in the junior leagues.

Lamela very nearly joined Barcelona at the age of 12, instead opting to stay at his youth club River Plate.

However, River Plate's shock recent relegation saw a handful of the Argentinian sides best stars put on the market, Erik Lamela was indeed one of them.

What catches the eye the most about Lamela is his passing accuracy. He has an incredible pass, quick and powerful and excellent from distance.

Lamela lacks the pace to beat players on the wing, but his dribbling is improving year by year and from the middle of the park, Lamela is able to create opportunities from any position.

Lamela is certainly one to keep an eye on for the future.

Eyefootball Scout Rating

September 1st 2011

Current ability: 79/100

Potential ability: 87/100

Current club: Roma