Robinson ‘surprised’ by Emerson Royal amid Tottenham transfer verdict
Paul Robinson is “surprised” by Emerson Royal’s start to the season in a Tottenham shirt.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former White Hart Lane number one suggested the 23-year-old has force Antonio Conte’s hand with his impressive performances.
Emerson has started all six of Tottenham’s league fixtures in the 2022-23 campaign.
The full-back was heavily linked with an exit from Spurs during the summer transfer window but remained at the club beyond the deadline.
Spurs added a right wing-back to their ranks in the shape of Djed Spence in July.
However, as quoted by Football.London (2 September), Conte said the 22-year-old is not yet ready to have a major impact on the first team.
When asked by Football Insider for his assessment of Emerson’s form, Robinson said: “I’ve been surprised by him this season.
“Going forward I have always liked him, he offers something different. He worries me defensively though. I feel he has a mistake or a mistimed challenge in him.
“This season he has done extremely well. Perhaps that has forced the manager’s hand. There has been no reason not to keep him in there so far.
“That I guess is giving Djed Spence a bit longer to settle in. I never though Spence was going to leave on loan. The manager clearly wasn’t happy with his options at the end of last season hence the signing of Spence and the links to a lot of other wing-backs.
“I think Spence will be integrated soon. I’m not sure Emerson Royal will maintain the form he has shown. I would be pleasantly surprised if he does.”
In other news, a Tottenham idol has been left ‘surprised’ by Son Heung-min after an admission from Antonio Conte.