Michael Owen has told the Premier League’s coverage of Tottenham’s 2-0 defeat to Wolves that he does not rate either Matt Doherty and Emerson Royal. He compared Spurs full-backs now, to their options a few years ago.
Spurs were beaten by Wolves in what has been a dismal few days for the North London club – after a late loss to Southampton last Wednesday. Raul Jimenez and Leander Dendoncker got the goals for Bruno Lage’s side.
Doherty was a surprise inclusion in the starting line-up, with Emerson dropped to the bench after his performance against the Saints. The Brazilian came on for Doherty on 82 minutes – but Owen was unimpressed.
Speaking after the match in his analysis, the Ballon d’Or winner said he does not rate either Doherty or Emerson. Other than Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, he says Spurs lack real quality – saying some are “dross”.
“I used to look at Spurs, four, five, six years ago and think wow, how many good full-backs do they have. Now I look at them, I can’t see anything. Right-backs are poor, both of them,” Owen said.
“Doherty and Emerson Royal, don’t rate those two. They’ve gone backwards. In Kane and Son, they’ve got a couple of world-class players, but they’ve got some dross elsewhere.”
Owen on Emerson and Doherty: Tottenham have gone backwards
As Owen says, Spurs are some way off what they once were. A few years ago, it was Kyle Walker competing with Kieran Trippier – who has since won La Liga and is now starring at Newcastle in their fight against the drop.
It was Danny Rose, head and shoulders above Ben Davies as Tottenham’s left-back option. Davies remains a consistent part of the side but in the summer, it is likely Spurs will look to replace the Wales international.
Tottenham need a major summer injection of cash. They need improvements at centre-back, right-back, midfield, in attack and cover for Harry Kane. If Conte does not get it, though, will the Italian remain?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
