3-2 win over Leicester reinforced two main Tottenham transfer needs

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LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 12: Emerson Royal of Tottenham Hotspur in action with Callum Hudson-Odoi of Chelsea during the Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 12, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /

1. Right Wingback

Emerson Royal has bundles of potential, but the young right wingback in his first season in England has been more inconsistent than the service at Nandos. He had another off night in the Midlands and was withdrawn at halftime, making way for Matthew Doherty.

Frankly, neither player is good enough for the elite level Conte is in constant search of. Royal could be someday, but he is not there yet. Far from it.

Doherty put in a committed performance off the bench and even, albeit fortuitously, created Spurs’ late equalizer.

The ball, like a basketball on a hard court, bounced uncontrollably off his chest. Had it not been for a fortunate ricochet off of Çağlar Söyüncü, the chance wold have gone begging. However, Doherty got himself into a dangerous, advanced position, which led to the goal. So he deserves tons of credit for his enterprise. Still, though, he’s not good enough for an elite level.

Next. Three positives from thrilling win over Leicester that bode well. dark

Cue the Adama Traore rumours. Nobody knows whether the ripped Spaniard will provide the answer on the right. But Conte believes he will, and that’s all that matters at this point.

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