Arsenal will be in the market for a new right-back this summer, and while a number of names have been linked, there are two reported targets that seem to continuously be cropping up.
Indeed, Tariq Lamptey and Emerson Royal look to be two serious targets for the Gunners this summer as they look to find a replacement for Hector Bellerin as he looks to leave the Emirates.
Lamptey will be the more familiar name to Arsenal fans as he’s lit up the Premier League this term, but the reality is that Emerson looks to be the much better option.
Yes, the Brazilian doesn’t possess the same level of lightning pace as Lamptey, but when you look at the pair’s underlying stats, it’s easy to see that the Brazilian is clear of the Brighton ace.
WhoScored’s average rating system isn’t the perfect barometer of performance, but Emerson is outperforming Lamptey on that metric by quite some way, while his defensive numbers make a mockery of the Englishman’s
Emerson makes almost twice as many tackles per game, more interceptions and commits fewer fouls, while he also seems to be more dangerous going forward.
Yes, Lamptey may be faster and he’s certainly more explosive, but when it comes to end product, Emerson once again reigns supreme.
The Brazilian has four assists this season compared to Lamptey’s sole assist, while he also makes more key passes and plays three times as many accurate long-balls.
Add into this the fact that Emerson is used to playing in a flat back four, with Lamptey only really playing as a wing-back in his career so far, and you can see how he’d be more suited to the Gunners.
We’re not saying that Lamptey is a bad player by any means, but when it comes to Arsenal’s needs at right-back, Emerson seemingly edges the debate.
Edu looks to have found Arsenal’s ultimate Bellerin replacement, and his name is Emerson Royal.
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