Craig Burley has claimed that he is ‘not the biggest fan’ of Tottenham Hotspur defender, Emerson Royal, as he told ESPN on US TV.
The former Scotland international expressed doubt over Tottenham’s backline and especially their wing-backs, Emerson Royal and summer signing, Ivan Perisic.
Antonio Conte is packed in the wing-back department because he has so many names to pick from, which shouldn’t be a surprise, given the work they are expected to go through over the course of the 90 minutes.
In the summer, Spurs added Perisic to their squad and he has been a regular feature for Conte, whilst Djed Spence is yet to taste many minutes.
It’s no surprise given that he has Emerson Royal in front of him, plus Matt Doherty, whilst Dejan Kuluseveski has also played that role and Japhet Tanganga also has the capabilities to play on that right-hand side.
Doherty was used on the left channel on occasions last season, but it’s Ryan Sessegnon and Perisic who are rotating in that department.
Nonetheless, Burley spoke about Emerson Royal as a player and his worries when Tottenham’s forward line isn’t firing.
“I am not the biggest fan of Emerson Royal,” said Burley. “I think he’s decent, but I don’t think they (Emerson Royal and Perisic) are two of the greatest wing-backs in the world.
“Of course, Perisic is winning on the experienced side. And that sort of concerns me at times because they do get bossed quite a bit in midfield. Whether you can do that all season remains to be seen.
“I think the middle of the park, with the wing-backs and the backline, it’s a little bit of an Achilles heels for them when the forward line isn’t performing, which they are, at the moment.”
EMERSON ROYAL HAS SHOWN IMPROVEMENTS
When the Brazilian first arrived at Hotspur Way, with Nuno Espirito Santo in the dugout, he did show many signs of worry, especially from a defensive aspect.
That continued when Conte was in the dugout, but it’s fair to say that since the Italian has become warm in his seat, Emerson has vastly improved.
Yes, there have been issues there before with the 23-year-old, but they have the right to settle in and then develop their game from there.
So, in that respect, he deserves huge credit for getting back on the right track and playing a big part in Spurs being unbeaten in the Premier League this season.
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