Rob Guest believes Tottenham Hotspur full-back Emerson Royal has a huge chance to prove himself following the news that Matt Doherty will miss the rest of the season through injury.
Under Antonio Conte in recent weeks, Doherty had evolved into a key member of the starting XI on the right flank in a wing-back role that the Italian favours. However, he suffered an injury following a tackle from Matty Cash during the 4-0 defeat of Aston Villa last weekend and it has now been confirmed he will miss the next 12 weeks of action – by that point, the campaign will be over.
Writing on Twitter, Guest suggested Doherty’s pain could be £22.5m-valued Emerson’s gain. He said: “Huge opportunity coming up for Emerson Royal between now and the end of the season.”
TIF Thoughts on Emerson’s chance…
Doherty had previously been written off by pundits and supporters, but Conte has got the best out of the Ireland international, especially since the start of the year. He has managed two goals and four assists in 2022 and has even impressed on the opposite flank.
His injury is a blow, not only because it stunts his resurgence, but also because it leaves Conte with a void to fill. Emerson has seemingly lost Conte’s faith since the Italian arrived, as Paul Brown stated that the Spurs boss ‘doesn’t trust’ him. But he started the last two Premier League matches on the right, which resulted in 5-1 and 4-0 victories, even scoring in the former.
Does Emerson have a future at Tottenham?
Yes
No
Averaging 2.3 tackles and 1 key pass per league game, the Brazilian offers plenty going forward and defensively. Now that Conte’s Tottenham are finding their groove, Emerson has the chance to become a trusted starter in the absence of any real competition. It is an opportunity he must take if he wants a long-term future at the club.