Popular pundit and former Tottenham Hotspur player Jamie O’Hara has heaped praise on defender Emerson Royal following the London club’s win over Manchester City on Sunday evening.
Tottenham picked up a 1-0 win at home against the Premier League champions and Emerson produced an impressive defensive display for his side.
The right-back position has been a major concern for Antonio Conte all season and Tottenham have had to dip into the January transfer market to bring in a quality full-back. The Londoners signed Pedro Porro from Sporting CP but Conte chose to use Emerson as his right-back against defending champions Manchester City on Sunday and the Brazilian did not disappoint.
The 24-year-old looked rock solid at the back and he did reasonably well going forward. He will probably be hoping to nail down a place in the starting lineup in the coming months now.
O’Hara said (h/t HITC): “Emerson Royal was absolutely superb yesterday. He was fantastic.
“I was avoiding him every time he came near me pitchside, and was thinking that he might say something.”
It remains to be seen whether he can compete with Porro for the right-back spot in Antonio Conte’s starting lineup.
Emerson has been criticised for his consistency issues since he joined the club and he will be desperate to prove his worth at the London club.
Tottenham decided to terminate the contract of Matt Doherty during the January window and Emerson is likely to be the backup option to January signing Porro for the remainder of the season.
The Brazilian will be hoping to prove himself over the next few months and it remains to be seen whether he can build on his performance against Manchester City at the weekend.
