Toronto vs Tottenham match report: Erik Lamela starts proving his doubters wrong with a pre-season double against Toronto

After an arduous first season in English football, the signing who defined Andre-Villas Boas' ill-fated reign at White Hart Lane has a point to prove

Despite costing £25m, Erik Lamela is having to use the odd cup game to try to kick-start his career (Getty Images)

Erik Lamela, Tottenham Hotspur's marquee £30m signing last summer, has shown some glimpses of why Spurs were willing to part with such a large sum during last night's 3-2 victory over Toronto.

The 22-year old Argentine, who made just nine Premier League appearances last season, has since vowed to recover the form which enabled him to score fifteen Serie A goals with Roma.

Scoring a brace against MLS side Toronto, the much maligned midfielder is finally beginning to prove his critics wrong.

Mauricio Pochettino's Spurs are in the USA to prepare for a pivotal Premier League season after the disappointment of the previous campaign.

Breaking free after just eighteen minutes, Lamela proved his quality with a powerful finish to put Tottenham ahead. Grabbing his second just four minutes before the break, his stock with Spurs fans is rising.

Andros Townsend, another player with a point to prove after missing out on the England squad for this summer's World Cup, bagged the winner.

Scoring a fine late winner, curling the ball into the top corner, the winger made his mark.

Roberto Soldado, who also endured a difficult debut season in England following a £22m switch from Valencia, provided both the assists in a game which must surely provide some optimism to Tottenham fans.

With both leaving the field at half-time, as Pochettino made ten changes, the former Southampton manager is running the rule over his new troops.

New signing Ben Davies also made a cameo appearance, sporting the no. 33 shirt, while Jermain Defoe and Ryan Nelsen faced their former club.