Tottenham is currently grappling with a defensive dilemma, as they find themselves without a single available fit senior center-back for selection. Consequently, they are resorting to the deployment of makeshift center-halves such as Ben Davies and Emerson Royal.
Commenting on the defensive woes of the team, Clinton Morrison, speaking on Sky Sports, expressed skepticism about Emerson Royal’s recent performances in the heart of the defense. Morrison observed that the Brazilian appears uncomfortable and ill-at-ease when required to defend in that position.
Morrison emphasized, “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 center-half; he is a right-back. When you see him defending, he does not look comfortable at center-half.”
Undeniably, Morrison raises an essential point. Emerson seems out of his element when fulfilling the role of a center-back. However, can he genuinely be faulted?
It is crucial to recognize the context—Emerson predominantly operated as a wing-back under Antonio Conte last season, and adapting to the demands of a center-back role in Ange Postecoglou’s system represents a stark departure.
While Emerson has admirably met the demands of playing in central defense in recent weeks, it is evident that he does not possess the same caliber as players like Cristian Romero or Micky Van de Ven. Consequently, the prolonged absence of these key figures heightens the risk of dropped points for Tottenham.
Despite the challenges, Tottenham remains positioned to press forward and potentially contend for the Premier League title. However, to elevate their performance to the next level, reinstating their first-choice defensive partnership is imperative. Swiftly reintegrating their top defensive players onto the field is paramount for Spurs’ sustained success.