Paul Robinson believes Emerson Royal has been handed a ‘big opportunity’ to nail down a position at Tottenham following Matt Doherty’s season-ending injury.
Doherty suffered a medial collateral ligament injury during the first half of Spurs’ 4-0 win over Aston Villa earlier this month, which has ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign (Sky Sports).
The Republic of Ireland international’s absence has left Emerson as the only recognised right-back at Antonio Conte’s disposal.
Having joined Spurs from Barcelona for around £26 million last summer (BBC Sport), the Brazilian has endured a relatively mixed start to life in North London.
Marca previously reported that Atletico Madrid held an interest in luring him back to Spain, having also kept tabs on his play with Barcelona and Real Betis in the past.
But Robinson believes the fresh chance of more game time at Spurs could sway his decision to stay and claims Emerson’s position in the team is now his to lose until the end of the season.
He told Football Insider: “Doherty being out won’t hamper Spurs too much as they have Emerson Royal, [Sergio] Reguilon and [Ryan] Sessegnon fit at the moment.
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“It will give Emerson plenty of game time for the rest of the season. This is a big opportunity for him. He can only play himself out of that team. He has got that position now until the end of the season.
“I think those wing-back positions are Emerson and Reguilon’s until the end of the season. They have a chance now to prove that they’re deserving of a regular starting spot next season.”
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Emerson will have the chance to impress in Doherty’s absence as there really isn’t anyone else that can play in that right wing-back spot.
If he doesn’t, though, there may be a risk that Spurs will already look to shift him on this summer having failed to see much from his transfer so far.
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