Although Pedro Porro was brought in to be the starting right-wing-back in Antonio Conte’s Tottenham set-up, Emerson Royal should start against Leicester City.
For a long-time, Tottenham Hotspur has looked for a more natural right-wing-back under Conte. Although a good young defender Emerson is not a natural wing-back, and at times Spurs’ attack has suffered as a result. The inability to have a more attacking option at the position has undoubtedly cost Tottenham points this season and is why Spurs signed Porro in January. However, against Leicester City, Emerson should keep his place for these three reasons.
Reason 1 to start Emerson – There is a defensive need against Leicester
Tottenham played one of its better games the last time Spurs faced the Foxes. It was the afternoon when Heung-min Son did not start but came on to score a second-half hat-trick and bury Leicester. However, things are changing for the Foxes, and they are a better, more assured defensive team.
In the January window, the additions of Harry Souttar and Victor Kristiansen revamp a beleaguered defense. Souttar provides stability inside on defense, and Kristiansen helps bolster the left flank where Emerson will be patrolling.
Harvey Barnes seems to be recovering from his malaise, and normal right-back Cristian Romero will be out on red card suspension. Thus, Emerson will likely need to help Davinson Sanchez more defensively. We know Conte is a defense-first coach, so starting Emerson to help provide more continuity defensively makes sense.
Besides having the defensive support that Sanchez is likely to need with Royal starting at wing-back, Porro does need to take Emerson’s job, not be given it.
Reason 2 to start Emerson – He earned another Tottenham start
If Royal had played poorly against City and been subbed off for Porro, who then played well, maybe Pedro would start here. However, the fact is, Royal played one of his best games of the season, earning player of the match honors from Tottenham fans.
https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/1622580881209819139?s=20&t=ZljWaVDTfTfoz-J-OJznMw
Not starting after that performance would be detrimental to Emerson’s confidence and psyche. Having played well against a more attacking team, Royal should have a chance to push forward more against Leicester, although Barnes and Kristiansen will keep Emerson honest defensively.
Coming off a strong performance, the club has to hope that Royal has started to turn a corner in his understanding and ability in the wing-back role.
Reason 3 to start Emerson versus Leicester – Porro should come off the bench Saturday and be ready to start against AC Milan
Ideally, on Saturday afternoon, Emerson plays well for an hour or so, then Porro makes his debut getting 20-25 minutes to run about on the right. Porro will need time to adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premier League, and having him come on fresh against tired legs will help him adjust.
Additionally, if Conte and company are looking ahead, AC Milan is right around the corner, and Porro starting against the Italians makes more sense than in League play. After getting some minutes under his belt and getting used to his teammates in a real game situation Saturday afternoon, Porro will be ready to let it rip on Tuesday night under the Champions League lights, which is a league we know Porro has played in.
In the long term, the hope is that Spurs now have two good right-wing-backs that can both do the job offensively and defensively; if that is true, we will know more after Saturday.