Emerson Royal backed for Tottenham starting role after injury update at Spurs
Dan Bardell believes Ange Postecoglu will put faith in Emerson Royal at left-back for Tottenham Hotspur with Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies out for the season.
Injuries have taken a hold of Spurs once again in recent weeks which have seen their two left-back options ruled out.
Postecoglu revealed via Tottenham’s official X (1 May) that Davies had picked up a calf injury that will see him miss the remaining Premier League games.
Bardell has suggested that the Tottenham manager has two options to replace the Welshman against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Bardell said: “He could put Van de Ven at left back and give Dragusin a run in the side for the rest of the season. Ange is very clear in what he wants to do.
“He wants his full-backs to come into midfield and when you have everyone fit and it’s Udogie and Porro doing that, it’s perfect. Suddenly when one of those is injured it’s a struggle for Tottenham.
“I think he’ll play Emerson Royal at left-back, he’s played there before in a number of games. Because of his mobility, I’m surprised Ange didn’t do that in the first place against Arsenal.”
Should Emerson Royal replace Ben Davies for Tottenham?
The Brazilian has featured across a variety of positions this season lining up as a full back on both sides as well as a central defender.
According to FotMob, Royal has made 19 Premier League appearances this season but just nine of those have come as starts.
In that time he has shown some positive signs going forward and defensively.
He has a pass accuracy of 91.6 per cent across 776 passes while making eight successful dribbles across the season. This certainly suits the Postecoglu system but injuries have held him back at times.
His defensive output also has some positive signs. His 67.7 per cent tackle success and his six times winning possession in the final third could benefit Spurs going forward too.
Davies certainly struggled up against Bukayo Saka in the North London derby as the Englishman got on the scoresheet.
Chelsea doesn’t possess the quality of Saka but with Noni Madueke, they have a quick and tricky customer to deal with. Royal has to be in top form should he come into the starting XI.
In other Tottenham news, Spurs have been warned about UEFA regulations that could catch them out after the latest Premier League developments.
For more exclusive Tottenham updates, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.