Kevin Campbell has praised Emerson Royal’s recent displays, insisting the Brazilian’s performances over the last few weeks have gone under the radar.
Emerson did not have the best of starts at Tottenham after arriving from Barcelona in the summer. However, the 22-year-old has got better and better with more games under his belt and has established himself as the clear first-choice at right-back.
He has been given more license to get forward since Antonio Conte’s arrival in North London, operating as a right-wing-back in a 3-4-3 formation.
Emerson was one of Tottenham’s most potent attacking threats against both Vitesse Arnhem and Everton but the former Real Betis man did not have the best of outings in Spurs’ 2-1 win over Leeds United on Sunday.
According to PremierLeague.com, only Everton’s Allan has made more successful tackles this season than the Tottenham right-back, an impressive stat considering Emerson has only played eight league games so far.
When that stat was put to Campbell, the former Arsenal striker told Football Insider: “I think his performances are going under the radar a little bit.
“I’ve been watching him since he was at Betis and he is a really good player. He has a lot to offer.
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“It has taken him a little while to settle. But, ooh I must say, that tackle stat just goes to show that he is adapting.
“It’s remarkable for the number of games he’s played. It shows that he is physical, sticks a foot in and can get up and down.
“He has gone under the radar a little bit. He is a top player and I think he will prove that at Spurs.”
Spurs Web Opinion
I actually think Emerson is a much better right-back than a right-wing-back. While the Brazilian is good defensively and tidy in possession, he doesn’t really have the pace or the ability to beat players consistently in one vs one situations.
Perhaps he might improve as a wing-back as he plays more games under Conte but I am yet to be convinced that either he or Reguilon provide enough attacking threat to operate as wing-backs in the long term.
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