View: Tottenham outcasts shine during Brazil v Argentina clash, both rated higher than Lionel Messi
Emerson Royal found himself facing off with Tottenham teammates Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso when Brazil took on Argentina on Tuesday 21 November.
It was a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier marred by scenes of violence prior to kick-off, which resulted in the match being delayed.
Nonetheless, once play did eventually get underway, a Nicolas Otamendi header saw Argentina run out 1-0 victors, with Tottenham’s fringe stars, Emerson and Lo Celso, both playing a starring role for their nations in what was a hostile environment.
While Brazil left empty-handed, Spurs’ Emerson could leave the pitch with his head held high, as he was awarded a 7.2 match rating (Sofascore), the highest rating of any of his international teammates on the evening.
He had a tough time on the right-hand side up against fellow Premier League stars Julian Alvarez and Alexis Mac Allister, nonetheless, he went about his defensive duties relatively well.
In addition to the one clearance, one tackle, one interception and one shot that he blocked, Emerson also won five of his six aerial duels, while completing 87 per cent of his passes.
It will act as a confidence booster for the 24-year-old who looks set to play a main role in north London over the coming month due to the number of injuries and suspensions Tottenham have been left with over the past few weeks.
Another player who will have taken some confidence from the clash is out-of-favour Lo Celso, who just like Emerson, could find himself with more of a starting role in Ange Postecoglou’s side over the Christmas period thanks to the absence of James Maddison.
If he can put in some performances like the one he put in against Brazil, he might find himself winning over a few supporters at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium between now and Maddison’s return. In addition to assisting Otamendi’s 63rd-minute winner, the 27-year-old won seven of his eight ground duels, played one key pass, and completed the one dribble he attempted while also playing two successful long balls.
Just like Emerson, Lo Celso was awarded a 7.2 match rating for his efforts, which was higher than Lionel Messi’s 6.8, and while it wasn’t a vintage performance, with his 66 per cent passing accuracy still sticking out like a sore thumb, it was certainly better than his recent displays in a Tottenham shirt.
If Postecoglou was watching on, he would certainly have seen signs that these two players who have struggled to make an impact so far this season have what it takes to step up to the plate.
In other Tottenham news, another one of the club’s international stars stood out on Tuesday with his goalscoring performance.