‘Weak link’ – Chris Sutton blasts £25.8m Spurs signing who makes ‘daft decisions’

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton believes that Tottenham Hotspur have a weak link in their side when Emerson Royal is on the pitch.

The Brazilian international moved to north London earlier this summer in a £25.8million deal from Barcelona, having spent the previous two seasons at Real Betis (BBC).

Royal has found himself predominantly Antonio Conte’s first choice at right wing-back this season ahead of Matt Doherty and summer signing Djed Spence, who has barely kicked a ball since his switch from Middlesbrough.

Sutton has claimed that the 23-year-old is guilty of causing too many mistakes and questioned his decision making, while also criticising his ability at both ends of the pitch.

Royal started Saturday’s Premier League match at Bournemouth and played a part in both the of the Cherries’ goals when he was caught upfield for Kieffer Moore’s opener and easily beaten in the air for the Welshman’s second.

Sutton highlighted the improvement in performance once he had been substituted and believes that Marseille will be happy to see him named in Conte’s starting line-up this evening.

The 49-year-old told The Daily Mail: “Emerson Royal is a weak link for Tottenham. He’s got too many mistakes and daft decisions in him, like the needless no-look pass that went out of play against Sporting Lisbon.

“He’s not good enough defensively and he doesn’t offer much in an attacking sense.

“Supporters are already asking what incriminating evidence he has on Conte to repeatedly make his starting line-up.

“Marseille would be glad to see Royal in the Tottenham team when they have better wing-backs in Ivan Perisic and Ryan Sessegnon.

“Spurs were so much better in their comeback at Bournemouth once Perisic and Sessegnon were on the pitch together.”

SpursWeb Opinion

Sutton mentions Ivan Perisic and Ryan Sessegnon as better wing-backs, however, he should have also given some credit to Matt Doherty. The Republic of Ireland international needs more game time to build up consistency following his knee injury last season, he showed during the win at Brighton recently that he offers much more down the right flank in terms of attacking ability, albeit slightly rusty.

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