Sky Sports pundit Clinton Morrison has voiced concerns about Emerson Royal’s suitability as a centre-back, suggesting that the Brazilian’s struggles in that role.
Despite primarily being a right-back, Royal lost his spot to Pedro Porro, who’s having a brilliant season under Ange Postecoglou.
In the absence of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, Ange adjusted by deploying Royal as a makeshift centre-back alongside Ben Davies.
Morrison, during a Sky Sports segment on December 31st, scrutinised Tottenham’s defensive challenges, specifically focusing on Emerson Royal’s discomfort defending in the heart of the defense.
Expressing his doubts, Morrison stated (via TBR):
“I agree I think Emerson Royal is a right-back, I’ve watched Emerson Royal at times and he’s struggled. Emerson Royal is not a centre-half, he is a right-back, when you see him sometimes, the way he’s defending, he does not look comfortable at centre-half.”
Tottenham’s injury woes have forced Ange to use Royal as a centre-back but he may no longer have to.
Micky van de Ven is expected back mid January while Spurs are close to signing Radu Dragusin from Genoa.
As per the latest reports, the player has agreed personal terms with Tottenham and the two clubs are now negotiating the fee. Genoa are seeking €30m while Spurs are willing to pay €25m.
A deal is expected to agreed soon with Spurs hoping to sign a new centre-back right at the start of the window.
