kd2000
Well-Known Member
- Aug 29, 2012
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No idea, also no idea if he's even someone we want to upgrade on. Merely playing hypotheticals
Player Watch: Emerson Royal
- Thread starter THFCSPURS19
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robotsonic
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- Aug 20, 2013
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He's a better player than that pony league, and could happily play RB in a European regular side either here or elsewhere on the continent. I hope that he knows as much. Would not want to sell this window personally as we have absolutely no need to and it would leave us short a versatile player whom we have already had to rely upon this season. Would only countenance if we had a proper signing coming in to replace him.
purplemonkey
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- Jan 20, 2006
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Why is that the overriding criteria though? Chances are that any RB who can cover CB is unlikely to be the right profile of fullback that is critical to the success of Ange's style of football. Surely the priority is having a player that can provide what the system and the role requires of him? As far as defenders in the PL go, Porro ranks top for assists, top for shots in the box and second behind TAA for big chances created. Udogie is top for touches in the penalty box and second for progressive carries. What you’re asking for is almost diametrically opposed to what we actually need from an Ange FB. An auxiliary CB is never going to carry that attacking threat.
Emerson has performed admirably well filling in across the back line - but let’s not forget that this has been amidst an unprecedented injury crisis, the likes of which we’d be extremely unlucky to experience again. Furthermore we’re only 6 months and 1.5 windows in to the squad rebuild. Yes, Emerson has served a purpose, but if Ange is creating a team in his image, Royal is on borrowed time and will inevitably need replacing. If we’re serious about competing across 4 fronts we’ll need another FB and another CB who are fit for purpose, not something in between.
Bluto Blutarsky
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- Mar 4, 2021
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I think Ange has spoken about the importance of player flexibility - in terms of being able to play effectively in multiple positions.
So, guys like Royal or Kulusevski (or Bentancur) are valued by Ange, more than a position-specific player.
So, guys like Royal or Kulusevski (or Bentancur) are valued by Ange, more than a position-specific player.
purplemonkey
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- Jan 20, 2006
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I think there’s an important distinction between hybridity which offers flexibility in and between games, versus versatility in a more limited sense where players can be utilised in one or more positions in an emergency. There’s also a key difference in attack vs defence. Hybridity is naturally going to be a valuable asset in the attacking phase where players can interchange roles and positions, whilst providing the opportunity to make tactical tweaks and rotate when players are out of form. That isn’t really the case in defence, certainly not with Ange, who has already shown that he isn’t going to compromise his philosophy or general set up: he hasn’t once changed his back 4 out of choice.
Having such a stark difference in skill set between Porro and Emerson isn’t an asset, it’s a problem - the FB is arguably the most critical role within the system because of its specificity, its prominence in each phase of play and the level of output it requires.
Donki
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- May 14, 2007
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I’m sorry I simply can’t agree, you want a better player who will ultimately be a back up, Porro when fit will play every game he is available for? We have 3 qauility CBs with Davies and the young lad for an option.
I think Ange is a pretty loyal guy, he will love guys like Royal and Davies who happily do what are asked of them and don’t complain. I don’t think any of us could have seen Royal playing as a centre back for a decent amount of games.
Frank Blank
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- Aug 9, 2007
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Yep. Hakimi would do.
Anyway, I know it's only Talkshite, but £20m in this market is an insult - even for someone like Emerson. Now if Al-Nassr came back with something like £25-30m then I'd say take the money and run.
usahotspur
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- Nov 5, 2006
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Japhet
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- Aug 30, 2010
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I very much doubt Emerson would even go there. He's no quitter and he's certainly not past it and those are predominant traits in that league. I'm sure he values playing for Brazil too.
Duskwen
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- Jan 11, 2015
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I wouldn't sell him this window. But if the offer is there in the summer I'd take it. Hopefully now with the CB options we won't need him as cover, and we need to get a better RB back up similar to Porro anyway. I know Harry Brooks has been singing the praises of Alfie Doughty at Luton being a good Porro back up
hughy
I'm SUPER cereal.
- Nov 18, 2007
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He's been so reliable for us in the last 12 months, I'd be a bit frustrated if we let him go mid-season. If he really wants to go for first-team football sell him in Summer, and look for a replacement then. Maybe it's a position we could use to up our home-grown tally.
Trix
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- Jul 29, 2004
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Emerson covers RB, CB and even LB to an adequate level, is great behind the scenes and when things weren't going well spent an awful lot of his own money to improve himself. He never complains about not starting or where he plays and will always give 100% for the team. That is exactly the sort of character I want around the team and especially the new younger players coming into the squad.
If it's my choice I would be very reluctant to sell, and the offer would have to be north of £40mil for me to even consider it personally. He's not a £40mil player but players like this are priceless as far as building a squad is concerned.
If it's my choice I would be very reluctant to sell, and the offer would have to be north of £40mil for me to even consider it personally. He's not a £40mil player but players like this are priceless as far as building a squad is concerned.
fishhhandaricecake
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- Nov 15, 2018
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Spot on, for all of those reasons we should not be looking to entertain any offers unless they're really good offers and/or the player is forcing a move but ideally we keep him as he can cover many positions to a good level, he's a top pro and character and well liked, could be a vital part of our longer-term success under Ange especially next season when hopefully we have 4 top CB's on the books so Emerson can actually fill in for Porro in his natural position so Porro can get a rest from time to time.
Also Ange singled him out with Davies and Skipp as the best trainers in the club so that, along with his flexibility and permanent smile and positivity, I really cannot see Ange wanting him out the door
Ghost Hardware
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- Aug 31, 2012
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Not only that I think we would have to know a potential target that we are certain would be an upgrade on him that is available. It’s all well and good selling a depth player for £40 mil but if we can’t get a better player in to fill his spot for a reasonable fee then what is the point of selling him. Even thinking about it this window makes very little sense to me.
IfiHadTheWings
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- Aug 5, 2013
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I'd keep him all day regardless.
not only does he do a job across multiple positions but the squad seems a happier place with him around.
not only does he do a job across multiple positions but the squad seems a happier place with him around.
I know it’s slightly different but the prospect of selling Emerson reminds me of selling Trippier without a proper plan. A lot of people thought he wasn’t up to it either but unless there’s a plan in place for a legitimate upgrade, selling capable squad players just weakens us.
DeanoD
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- Jun 4, 2004
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He also always seems to be available for selection (I can’t remember the last time he was injured or suspended) which is another key attribute we need from someone playing a bit-part role, which is often overlooked by many.
worcestersauce
"I'm no optimist I'm just a prisoner of hope
- Jan 23, 2006
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I agree, I actually think he's better at defending than Porro, but I think his days of covering at CB are numbered as we build the squad, we won't find ourselves in the situation with no CB's again, so his game time is bound to be more limited. I wonder if that will eventually lead to him reassessing his situation.
Yeah this is a good point. Over time it will probably come down to whether he is happy to remain as a squad option/cover or wants to move somewhere else where he will be first choice. He certainly has the ability to be a regular starter for a club in one of the top leagues in Europe.
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