‘This stage of his career’ – Roy Keane says Spurs player isn’t going to get any better

Roy Keane has criticised Emerson Royal for his lack of defensive awareness, remarking that it is not an aspect of his game that is going to improve.

Emerson has warmed the bench for much of the season and when he has played, he has been asked to operate out of position, filling in at centre-back earlier this season and now at left-back after the injuries to Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies.

The Brazilian looked out of his depth at Anfield, giving Mohamed Salah too much space in the final third while also not making good use of possession when he received it centrally.

Emerson was culpable for Liverpool’s opener, with Salah ghosting behind him to meet a cross at the far post.

However, Ange Postecoglou refused to criticise the 25-year-old in his post-match press conference, pointing out that the former Real Betis man was playing out of position (Football.London).

Emerson Royal receives scalding criticism from Roy Keane

Keane did not hold back in his criticism of Emerson, insisting that he simply does not have the instinct to sense danger.

The pundit told Sky Sports (05/05/24): “He doesn’t smell danger. Wherever he is in the back four, he doesn’t smell danger. Whether he is at right-back or left-back, and he is not going to get to know at this stage of his career.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I do not think fans grasp how difficult it is to be warming the bench for months and then to be suddenly asked to drop top-class performances, especially out of position. It is completely natural for Emerson to look rusty.

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