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This article is part of Football FanCast's The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Erik Lamela has surely played his way into Tottenham Hotspur’s starting XI for this weekend’s clash with Newcastle United.

On the chalkboard

The Argentina international has begun the season in blistering form.

Of course, Spurs will have Son Heung-min to call upon this weekend as they look to add three more points to their tally, having already beaten Aston Villa and drawn with Manchester City.

But it makes more sense to keep Lamela in the XI.

The 27-year-old scored in the 2-2 draw with the Premier League champions, curling a clever finish past Ederson from the edge of the box. He also took the corner that led to Lucas Moura’s superb header to bring the scores level.

Perhaps the best measure of his attributes came against Villa, though, as he forced Jack Grealish into a mistake on the edge of his own box before driving a shot at goal. The resulting ricochet found Harry Kane, and he scored to give his side a 2-1 lead as they eventually won 3-1.

This is a relentlessly positive player but he is diligent too; per WhoScored, he has averaged 2.5 tackles per game this season, along with 2.5 shots per game, 1.5 key passes, 2 dribbles and 2 crosses.

Multi-faceted and also boasting the experience of having played in the club’s opening two games of the season, Lamela deserves to play.

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Finally coming good

Lamela has often been seen as a divisive figure among Spurs fans but this season, he has been exceptional in the opening two matches of the campaign.

It was needed, too, with the club bringing in Giovani Lo Celso in the summer, keeping Christian Eriksen and also boasting the likes of Lucas Moura, Dele Alli and Son.

Competition for places is fierce and Lamela, quite simply, has to stand out to retain his place.

He has managed it thus far, with his performance against City particularly eye-catching.

Lamela should be in the XI against the Magpies as he again looks to prove his worth.