Earlier this week, AC Milan secured their third signing of the summer transfer window with the official announcement of Emerson Royal’s arrival.
This transfer had been a topic of discussion for several weeks and was officially confirmed on Monday night. It was revealed that he has signed a contract with the Rossoneri that runs until June 30, 2028, with an option for an additional year thereafter.
The 25-year-old right-back was a prime target for Milan throughout the summer transfer window; however, negotiations regarding the transfer fee between the two clubs proved challenging. Nevertheless, Fonseca has finally acquired the reinforcement he desired, who is expected to compete with Davide Calabria for a starting role.
There are some apprehensions regarding his performance following a disappointing season with Spurs, so what can supporters anticipate from Emerson Royal? Our writer, Rohit Rajeev, has extensively analyzed the situation.
Background
Emerson Royal was born in São Paulo, Brazil, on January 14, 1999, and began his career in youth football with Ponte Preta, where he made his first-team debut in February 2017.
During his time there, he made 25 appearances and scored one goal. Just a year after his debut, he joined Atlético Mineiro in 2018, making 23 appearances and netting one goal, which caught the attention of European clubs.
Emerson debuted for Atlético on May 19, 2018, shortly after turning 19, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 win against rivals Cruzeiro. He scored his first top-flight goal on September 30 of that same year.
His impressive performances drew interest from Europe, and on the last day of the January 2019 transfer window, Atlético announced that Emerson would be transferred to Barcelona, effective July 2019, for a fee of €12.7 million (via Wiki).
The intriguing aspect of this transfer was the involvement of both Barcelona and fellow LaLiga club Real Betis; each paid half of the transfer fee and retained a portion of Emerson’s economic rights. Betis acquired him in July 2019, while Barcelona held the option to reacquire him for €6 million in 2021.
As a regular starter for the Andalusian team, Emerson contributed nine goals across 34 appearances that season. By June 2021, Barcelona exercised their option to sign him, although he would soon leave again.
On the final day of the 2021 summer transfer window, Tottenham Hotspur signed Emerson to a five-year contract for a reported €30 million fee. He netted his first goal for Tottenham in a 5-1 victory at home against Newcastle United, but in October 2022, he received a red card in the North London Derby for a foul on Gabriel Martinelli.
Royal established himself as a starter under manager Antonio Conte, but after Conte’s departure and the arrival of Ange Postecoglou—with the subsequent signing of Pedro Porro from Sporting CP—he primarily served as a backup.
Due to an injury crisis, he occasionally played as a starter at left-back and center-back; however, by the end of the 2023-24 season, he had transitioned into a minimal role, leading to widespread speculation about his departure.
On the international stage, Emerson first caught the attention of Brazil and was called up to the U20 team for the 2017 Toulon Tournament. He was the primary right-back during the 2019 South American U20 Championship and the 2019 Toulon Tournament, winning the latter with the U23s.
Emerson made his senior international debut on November 19, 2019, coming off the bench in a 3-0 win over South Korea. He received further call-ups in May 2021 and was included for the Copa América, making his major tournament debut on June 17.
Since then, the defender has made six appearances for his country, bringing his total to 10, with three of those occurring in 2023. His most recent appearance was in November of that year, where he played 90 minutes in a 1-0 defeat to Argentina.
Strengths and weaknesses
With Milan aiming for an upgrade over Calabria, Royal has been identified as a target.
There have been connections to Geoffrey Moncada for a considerable time, with ties extending back to his tenure at Real Betis. Standing at 1.81m and weighing 76kg, he possesses a robust physique that makes him difficult to intimidate.
During the 2019-20 season, Emerson primarily played for Real Betis under coach Rubi, who favored either a 4-2-3-1 or 3-5-2 formation, utilizing Emerson as a right-back or right wing-back. In both setups, Emerson was encouraged to venture forward, with Marc Bartra providing cover for his advances.
Emerson’s main responsibility involved leading the press down the right side or assisting in counter-pressing when Betis lost possession, which often positioned him high on the pitch.
At Tottenham, Nuno Espirito Santo was dismissed after just nine matches, leading to Conte’s appointment. This transition saw Emerson revert to a wing-back role in a 3-4-3 formation, with Dejan Kulusevski functioning as a winger while Emerson tucked in.
Under Conte’s management, Royal flourished when he began to be utilized more centrally as an inverted wing-back, participating actively in the half-spaces.
Under Postecoglou, his role shifted more towards a centre-back than a right-back, as the Greek-Australian favored Porro’s attacking contributions over Emerson’s defensive strength. Now that we’ve established the roles he can perform, let’s explore some of his characteristics.
A crucial defensive attribute for any defender—particularly a full-back—is proficiency in 1v1 confrontations, an area where the Brazilian consistently excels.
TRAITS
A vital defensive trait for any defender, especially a full-back, is their ability in 1v1 situations. Emerson Royal demonstrates excellent skill in these encounters. pic.twitter.com/xf8BgPXova— Rohit Rajeev (@keralista) August 11, 2024
Emerson effectively utilizes his upper body strength to impede runners and those attempting to bypass him, which contributes to his ability to manage isolation well.
Emerson skillfully uses his upper body strength to block runners and thwart attempts to get past him. pic.twitter.com/FSG2vVSlM6
— Rohit Rajeev (@keralista) August 11, 2024
With a height of 1.81m (or 1.83m according to some sources), he is invaluable for executing clearing headers during set-piece situations, which is an aspect that Milan should focus on improving.
With a height of 1.81 meters (or 1.83 according to some sources), Emerson is always in a position to make critical clearing headers when defending corners. pic.twitter.com/mRQZ4Li88g
— Rohit Rajeev (@keralista) August 11, 2024
If Emerson is beaten, he possesses the speed and timing necessary to regain possession through recovery tackles, as demonstrated in the clip below against Erling Haaland.
— Rohit Rajeev (@keralista) August 11, 2024
Emerson quickly recovers the ball when he’s outpaced by making successful tackles, as shown in this example against Haaland. pic.twitter.com/F98SGgBiKs
Emerson utilizes his tactical awareness alongside his imposing physique to intercept balls, block shots, or deflect crosses, which significantly contributes to his defensive performance.
With a quick pace to close down spaces, Emerson effectively supports a high defensive line and displays aggression when pressing the ball carrier. His statistics clearly indicate his relentless effort and the substantial ground he covers during matches.
Emerson’s quick pace allows him to close down space effectively, aiding his high defensive line and aggressive pressing on the ball carrier. His stats reflect his hard work and the distance he covers during a game. pic.twitter.com/AcUYx6nBKB
— Rohit Rajeev (@keralista) August 11, 2024
Emerson demonstrates excellent touch and technique. He generally receives the ball with the inside of his foot, showcasing good close control in his take-downs.
When in possession, his initial thought is to opt for the safest passing option, which sometimes involves back passes. He frequently attempts one-twos with teammates to progress the ball and navigate through opposition pressing.
Emerson exhibits a good touch and technique. He tends to receive the ball with the inside of his foot and displays close control in his take-downs.
While on the ball, Royal’s instinct is typically to select the safest passing option, even if that means making back passes.
He often attempts 1-2’s… pic.twitter.com/sRUuUCHWUK
— Rohit Rajeev (@keralista) August 11, 2024
Royal’s effectiveness in one-on-one attacking scenarios leaves much to be desired; he tends to opt for simplicity. Instead of powering past defenders like Theo Hernandez, he often looks to pass to maintain possession.
His most significant challenge lies in lapses of concentration. Unfortunately, there have been many instances where Emerson’s errors or a lack of awareness of his surroundings have resulted in significant scoring opportunities for opponents, even leading to goals.
Lapses in concentration pose a significant challenge for him. Numerous gaffes have occurred due to his lack of focus on what’s unfolding on the field. pic.twitter.com/7ft7BfZkVR
— Rohit Rajeev (@keralista) August 11, 2024
Delving beyond his strengths and weaknesses, it appears that Emerson has often been misrepresented by fans and the media as a modern full-back. Unlike Theo, he’s not inclined to surge forward, join the attack, or dribble past defenders.
During the preseason friendlies, Fonseca demonstrated a preference for a three-man backline when in possession, utilizing Filippo Terracciano as the third center-back who partnered with Fikayo Tomori and Malick Thiaw or another central defender.
Recognizing this, Postecoglou utilized him primarily as a center-back. Consequently, while Milan shouldn’t expect him to play as an attacking defender who frequently sends in crosses, he can offer defensive stability, particularly against sides that adopt an attacking approach. The challenge emerges when Italian teams prefer to sit deep and aim for a draw.
Emerson has the potential to excel if Fonseca explores the idea of having him play as an inverted full-back to help recycle possession. If the coach adjusts his tactics to create the necessary space, Emerson could thrive, as he is equipped to participate in teams that embrace a positional style and employ passing combinations.
According to multiple reports, Emerson Royal has engaged neuroscientist Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela to enhance the psychological aspects of his game, investing nearly £1 million in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber.
Additionally, he enlisted scouts to analyze Achraf Hakimi’s playing style with the aim of emulating him while Conte was still at the helm of Tottenham. This effort was highly regarded by Conte, who commended Emerson’s development compared to the previous season.
Statistical Comparison
After analyzing Emerson’s data in comparison with other defenders, it is evident that he stands out in terms of defensive statistics relative to his peers in Serie A.
While we have emphasized his relentless nature as a full-back, a striking statistic from Opta further corroborates this point. Since his arrival at Spurs for the 2021-22 season, only Rayan Aït-Nouri (7.5) has averaged more duels won than Emerson Royal (6.9) per 90 minutes among defenders in the Premier League (minimum of 4500 minutes played).
FBRef offers a comparison of Emerson Royal with every full-back across the ‘top five’ European leagues, as well as the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League over the past year.
Their statistics reveal that Emerson ranks in the 96th percentile for Completed Passes, 99th for Pass Completion Percentage (90.3%), 91st for Tackles, 94th for Tackles Won, and 94th for Dribblers Tackled.
He also stands in the 93rd percentile for Blocks, 98th for Shots Blocked, 95th for Interceptions, and 99th for Clearances. The Brazilian is positioned in the 98th percentile for Touches, 94th for Carries, and 79th for Aerial Duels Won.
<img width="1576" height="992" src="https://icdn.sempremilan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Screenshot-2024-08-15-at-18.01.22.jpg" class="lazyload wp-“`html
Conclusion
During his inaugural press conference, Fonseca emphasized the importance of balance from the full-backs, highlighting that Italian football presents unique challenges compared to France, a lesson he learned during his time at Roma. With Milan supporters calling for an upgrade from Calabria, Moncada has revived interest in an ‘old flame’, Emerson Royal, suggesting that Milan has successfully identified their target.
While he may not be the most illustrious name, his skill set possesses potential that, if utilized effectively, could make him a strong addition to both the league and the Rossoneri.
Transfer rating: 7/10
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# AC Milan Secures Emerson Royal: Analyzing the Brazilian Full-Back’s Arrival and Potential Impact
AC Milan has officially secured the signing of Brazilian full-back Emerson Royal, a move that has generated excitement among fans and analysts alike. This article delves deep into Emerson’s arrival, his playing style, and the potential impact he can have on the Rossoneri as they aim for both domestic and European success.
## Who is Emerson Royal?
Emerson Royal, born on January 14, 1999, in São Paulo, Brazil, has made a name for himself in European football. Before joining AC Milan, he had notable stints with clubs like Betis and Tottenham Hotspur. Known for his pace, defensive skills, and ability to contribute to attacks, Emerson brings a wealth of experience and talent to the Milan squad.
### Career Path
| Year | Club | League | Appearances | Goals |
|————|———————|———————-|————-|——-|
| 2017-2019 | Atlético Mineiro | Campeonato Brasileiro | 51 | 3 |
| 2019-2021 | Real Betis | La Liga | 67 | 5 |
| 2021-2023 | Tottenham Hotspur | Premier League | 57 | 2 |
### Key Attributes
– **Defensive Prowess:** Emerson is renowned for his strong tackling and ability to read the game, making him a solid addition to AC Milan’s backline.
– **Attacking Contributions:** His overlapping runs and ability to deliver accurate crosses provide an additional attacking threat, crucial for a modern full-back.
– **Versatility:** While primarily a right-back, Emerson can also play on the left, adding depth to Milan’s defensive options.
## The Transfer Details
### Financial Aspects
The financial terms of the transfer were reported to be around €20 million, a reasonable investment considering Emerson’s age and potential. This aligns perfectly with AC Milan’s strategy of investing in young talent who can contribute immediately and develop further.
### Contract Length
Emerson has signed a five-year contract with AC Milan, tying him to the club until 2028. This long-term commitment highlights the club’s faith in his abilities and potential future contributions.
## Impact on AC Milan’s Squad
### Defensive Stability
With Emerson’s arrival, AC Milan solidifies its defensive capabilities. His ability to track back and support the center-backs will be crucial, especially in high-pressure matches. This is particularly relevant given the increased competition in Serie A and the UEFA Champions League.
### Tactical Flexibility
Emerson’s versatility allows him to adapt to different tactical setups. Whether it’s a four-man or five-man defense, his skill set complements several formations, providing head coach Stefano Pioli with more options.
### Enhancing Offensive Play
Emerson’s attacking flair can significantly enhance Milan’s offensive play. His ability to overlap with wingers and provide width will open up spaces in opposing defenses, allowing forwards like Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leão to exploit gaps effectively.
## Benefits of Emerson Royal’s Signing
1. **Depth in Defense:** Emerson’s versatility allows for rotation among defenders, which is essential during the long season filled with domestic and European matches.
2. **Youth and Energy:** At just 24 years old, Emerson brings youthful energy to the squad, which can invigorate the team’s dynamics.
3. **Increased Competition:** His presence will foster a competitive atmosphere among defenders, pushing everyone to perform at their best.
### Practical Tips for Fans
– **Follow His Journey:** Stay updated on Emerson’s progress through official AC Milan channels and sports news outlets to understand his impact on the team.
– **Watch Tactical Analysis:** Analyze Emerson’s performances in different matches to appreciate his tactical contributions, which may not always be evident from just the scoreline.
## Case Studies: Emerson’s Previous Impact
### 1. Real Betis
During his time at Real Betis, Emerson established himself as one of La Liga’s standout right-backs, helping the team finish in the top half of the table. His performances were pivotal in Betis’ defensive solidity, as he contributed to both goals and assists.
### 2. Tottenham Hotspur
At Tottenham, although faced with fierce competition, Emerson’s ability to adapt to different playing styles under various coaches showcased his tactical intelligence. His performances in domestic cup competitions highlighted his readiness to perform on big occasions.
## First-Hand Experience: What Fans Can Expect
Fans can look forward to watching Emerson’s energetic playing style firsthand. His pace down the flank and ability to link up with midfielders and forwards will be a delight to watch. Additionally, his dedication on the pitch is expected to resonate well with the Rossoneri faithful, who appreciate hard work and commitment.
### Key Matches to Watch
– **Derby della Madonnina:** Emerson’s debut in the Milan derby will be a true test of his abilities and a moment to showcase his new club’s ambitions.
– **European Fixtures:** His performance in Champions League matches will be crucial as AC Milan seeks to make a deep run in the tournament.
## Conclusion
Emerson Royal’s arrival at AC Milan marks an exciting new chapter for both the player and the club. With his combination of defensive skills and attacking prowess, Emerson is poised to make a significant impact in Serie A and beyond. Fans can look forward to a thrilling season as they watch the Brazilian full-back settle into his new role and help the Rossoneri pursue their ambitions.
Emerson’s signing is not just about bolstering the defense; it’s about enhancing the overall squad depth, introducing tactical flexibility, and fostering a competitive environment that will benefit AC Milan in the long run.
