Here, we examine the left-back possibilities available to Tottenham. In response to Emerson Royal’s dismal performance against Liverpool, Ange Postecoglou was named ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match against Burnley.
This weekend, Ange Postecoglou will have a major choice to make regarding Tottenham’s left-back starting lineup for their Premier League matchup against Burnley. Emerson Royal started in last Sunday’s 4-2 loss at Liverpool despite being without Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies for the rest of the season due to injuries, but he regrettably had a day to forget.
The Brazilian was guilty of watching the ball as Mohamed Salah sprinted in behind him to score Liverpool’s first goal of the match. Harvey Elliott then won possession of the ball outside the area, which allowed Cody Gakpo to score the team’s third. Oliver Skipp replaced Emerson at left back in the last moments of play, bringing an end to the player’s playing time.
“We’re playing him out of position and it’s kind of the way our season has gone,” Postecoglou said to a question on Emerson at the news conference held after the game. “The same area of the field is where our injuries have always occurred.
“With both of our left backs down, he was somewhat obliged to play outside. It’s not ideal for him, because Mo [Salah] is a really decent player. Once more, that is a problem we must address.”
Given that Skipp played a part in Son Heung-min’s goal and did well in his 29 minutes on the field, Postecoglou might have some food for thought heading into this weekend. What are Postecoglou’s alternatives precisely for the Burnley matchup at home as a left-back? Below, football.london looks.
Emerson starts
The first option Postecoglou has is to keep faith with Emerson at left-back. The former Real Betis man has filled in at left-back on a few occasions this season and performed well on the whole, with Sunday’s defeat at Liverpool very much an off-day for the player.
Emerson did contribute at Anfield with a couple of vital contributions, including a key tackle on Salah in the box and a very good block to stop Trent Alexander-Arnold’s powerful drive testing Guglielmo Vicario. With a full week on the training ground and the opportunity to go again in the Premier League, Emerson, if he starts, will be looking to impress and deliver a big performance as Tottenham chase a top-four finish.
Keep Skipp at left-back
Going on Skipp’s strong showing in an unnatural position of left-back, Postecoglou could choose to reward the midfielder with a start in the back four. Due to the head coach’s demands when it comes to his full-backs, Skipp’s midfield qualities may well work in Tottenham’s favour.
Comfortable on the ball and able to pick out a pass, the player would find coming inside into the central areas natural, which is something Emerson struggles with as it’s not part of his game. The Spurs academy graduate is also very good defensively, thus strengthening his case even more for a starting spot.
If Postecoglou does see Skipp as a realistic choice there, a full week on the training pitch operating as a left-back would really help him out.
Dragusin comes in
Following the injury blow regarding Udogie, a number of Tottenham fans have called for Micky van de Ven to be utilised as a left-back. The Dutchman is no stranger to the role having previously played there for Volendam, Wolfsburg and the Netherlands in the past.
However, a switch across to the left would mean breaking up his excellent partnership with Cristian Romero. One player that change would benefit is Radu Dragusin, who has had to contend with a bit-part role ever since his transfer from Italian side Genoa in January.
The Romanian has only played six times for Tottenham so far, with two of those coming from the start of games in March as he was named in the starting XI against Fulham and Luton Town. It’s certainly an option for Postecoglou but whether he would want to move Van de Ven from his best position is another matter.
The head coach could potentially even put Dragusin to left-back if he really wanted to as he has played as a full-back in the past, although that was on the opposite side of the pitch.
Wildcard option
Postecoglou has the opportunity to use a wildcard if he so chooses. In the same way as Skipp is capable of playing at left back, Giovani Lo Celso is similarly qualified.
Because it is his style of play, the midfielder would feel right at home in those center areas. He is also extremely excellent with the ball, passes the ball with progression, and enjoys getting forward. Moreover, Lo Celso’s left footedness would make him feel more comfortable operating from the left wing rather than entirely out of place, as would be the case with a right-sided player.
