Surprise Tottenham addition: Emerson Royal – B
Emerson Royal is really the signing Tottenham was not supposed to have. Right-back was definitely an area of concern and need heading into the summer. However, Japhet Tanganga was already emerging by the time Royal was signed and the signing itself came out of the blue.
Much like Leo Messi leaving Barcelona was unexpected, so too was the availability of Royal at Camp Nou. At a fee just north of £20 million ($27.5 million US) according to trasnfermarkt.com Royal was certainly a great value and deal.
The Brazilian right-back is clearly very good with the ball and looks to get forward quickly. He is also a willing and able defender, who puts his body on the line to make plays. Royal had several big tackles and a huge block/deflection against Villa.
As a Brazilian who played in Spain, Emerson does tend to go down a bit too easily and is a bit too dramatic when he does go down, however, even that behavior has improved since his first outing with the club against Palace in mid-September. With more than 350 minutes across six appearances since joining on deadline day, Emerson is clearly a player Nuno Espirito Santo trusts and wants to play.
Tottenham’s summer signings show a lot of promise and potential. While the production and the end product have not always been there yet, it is likely to come as the players get more experience and grow more comfortable in the squad. Overall the group is a C right now, just average. While it is more likely than not these players will come good for Tottenham, there is still a ways to go to show and prove that. However, the original excitement that existed for the group is definitely still there.