Ben Davies has been speaking to SpursPlay recently and has commented on the form of Emerson Royal and how the signing of Pedro Porro has impacted the options Tottenham Hotspur have at right wing-back.
The January transfer window brought about mass changes for Tottenham in the right wing-back area. After a whole month of pursuit, Spurs finally signed their number one target Porro from Sporting Lisbon in a deal worth a reported £44 million (Sky Sports).
The arrival of the Spanish star meant that Spurs needed to offload due to a surplus of players in that position.
Djed Spence joined French side Rennes on loan until the end of the season, while Matt Doherty was released from his contract and joined La Liga side Atletico Madrid.
Many suspected Porro would immediately become first choice at Spurs, but after a shaky debut, he has found his path blocked by a resurgent Royal.
The 24-year-old Brazilian has scored two goals in his last five games (Transfermarkt) and appears to have improved dramatically.
Davies offered an explanation as to Royal’s recent form, saying: “He was very good again today. I think that game against City did him the world of good. He was perfect, he didn’t do anything wrong. He was good defensively and on the ball. It has given him a bit of confidence.”
On Porro’s arrival, Davies added: “With a new signing coming in, it’s sometimes what you need. Football at the top level is about fighting for your place. When you’re putting in performances likes that, it is hard to ignore.”
Spurs Web Opinion
I never expected Emerson Royal to hold on to his place in the team once Pedro Porro arrived, but he has become irreplaceable at the moment and it’s going to take a lot for Porro to take that spot away from Royal.
Clearly, the competition has done Royal the world of good, and hopefully it can do the same for Porro.
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