It has taken some time, but Tottenham appear to have finally acquired their long-term replacement for Kyle Walker. Walker departed for Manchester City in 2017 and was replaced by Serge Aurier, a move that very much divided opinion, and while the Ivorian enjoyed a renaissance under Jose Mourinho, supporters will be happy to see the back of the former PSG man.
Matt Doherty has struggled to replicate his Wolves performances following his arrival last summer. Japhet Tanganga has put in some fine showings in the role under Nuno Espirito Santo this season, yet the capture of Emerson Royal is one that should excite supporters. Fabio Paratici has been in Barcelona to thrash out the details of the deal for the Brazilian, with rumours of a move for Ilaix Moriba either a smokescreen for Emerson or a ploy to drive up his price.
Emerson moved to Spain in 2019 from Brasileirao side Atletico Mineiro as part of a joint financial operation between Barcelona and Real Betis. The defender would initially join the latter, while the former had the option to bring the Brazil international to Camp Nou for €9m this summer.
After an impressive two full seasons with Real Betis, some had hoped Emerson would return to Barcelona and nail down a regular starting spot under Ronald Koeman. However, the Dutchman prefers Sergino Dest as first choice right-back with Sergi Roberto in reserve and with the Blaugrana needing to raise funds, Emerson was a sellable asset to boost the Camp Nou coffers.
So what exactly are Spurs getting with Emerson? The 22-year-old has established himself as one of the most potent attacking full-backs in La Liga. Only Jordi Alba (16) has had a direct hand in more goals than Emerson (14) of defenders in La Liga since the start of the 2019/20 season, netting four times and laying on a further 10 assists. He impressed when he pushed forward in 2020/21 in a four-man backline, not too dissimilar to the setup Spurs currently use under Nuno Espirito Santo.
⚽️ Only Jordi Alba (16) has had a direct hand in more goals than Emerson Royal (14) of defenders in La Liga since the start of the 2019/20 season #DeadlineDay
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) August 31, 2021
Only Watford (45%) have attacked down their right more often than Spurs (44%) in the Premier League this season, reinforcing a statistically calculated WhoScored style of play of 'attacking down the right', so Emerson has a key role to play from right-back in the final third under Nuno Espirto Santo. As solid as Tanganga has been from right-back in the opening three matches of the season, he has created just two goalscoring opportunities in his three outings, so Nuno needs a further attacking outlet in his position, who can also be as effective off the ball as the 22-year-old Spurs man.
Moreover, Emerson's work out of possession has really caught the eye. Strong in the tackle and with a notable reading of the game, reinforcing statistically calculated WhoScored strengths of 'tackling' and 'ball interception', only midfielders Guido Rodriguez (173), Casemiro (167) and Renato Tapia (163) have made more tackles and interceptions combined than Emerson (157) in Spain's top tier since the start of 2020/21.
He may have been dribbled past 35 times since the start of last season, a high return for a defender, but Emerson has the recovery speed to pressure an opponent and win the ball back when he does get beaten. And despite standing at 6'0", Emerson is commendable in the air, winning 62.5% of his aerial duels contested since the start of last season, so Spurs won't get regularly beaten at the back post when cross from the opposite flank do come into the box.
Spurs may have three right-back options on the books, but none combine the attacking output with the defensive awareness quite in the same fashion as Emerson. And for a reported €30m to secure his services, the north London side at long last have found the natural successor for Walker at right-back.
