Tottenham news: Pundit slams ‘struggling’ Emerson Royal as damning footage emerges
Alex McLeish has claimed Tottenham right-back Emerson Royal is “struggling” with the pace and quality required in the English game.
The former Scotland boss, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 23-year-old has “not dealt at all well” with his move to the Premier League.
Royal has seen his minutes limited of late after the resurgence of Matt Doherty but was brought on in the 81st minute during Tottenham’s 1-0 extra-time loss against Middlesborough in the FA Cup on Tuesday (1 March).
However, the former Barcelona man suffered a costly lapse in concentration in the 16th minute of extra-time by playing match-winner Josh Coburn onside – as seen in footage from the BBC.
McLeish claimed Royal is just the latest import from Spain to “really struggle” in England.
“People think because he came from Barcelona he must be absolutely brilliant,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“But he never really cemented himself there. A lot of the players coming from Italy or Spain, unless they are household names, they really struggle.
“The English game is very very fast, and it’s the hardest league in the world. He’s struggling to cope with the pace and he’s not dealing at all well with the quality.
“Even Barcelona can get things wrong now and again. Everyone who comes through their system isn’t going to make the grade in this country.”
Royal has contributed just one assist in 33 games since making his Tottenham bow in September.
The Brazil international joined Spurs for a fee of around £21million.
In other news, defender “100%” wants to quit Tottenham permanently as new club lined up.