Emerson Royal is Arsenal’s perfect Hector Bellerin replacement

Why Emerson is the Right Tactical Profile for Arsenal

Kieran Tierney often assumes the role of the most advanced full-back when Arsenal are in possession, and when he does so, the opposite full-back tucks into midfield to pick up one of the midfield three options.

Against West Ham this 3-3-2-2 shape came into effect to aid Arsenal’s build up, similar to a system Pep Guardiola adopts with Manchester City.

This setup asks one of the full-backs to tuck in – it can vary with both also doing so – a tactical desire that Arteta appears to be warming to. It isn’t a regular feature, and fluctuates depending on the opposition’s tactical approach, but is a growing trend in the modern game that Arteta favours.

In essence, it asked the right-back to be able to perform a central midfield role and be involved in progression through the thirds. Emerson is a player who can do just that.

https://twitter.com/Emerson_Royal22/status/1373224604282589187

Fleet-footed, his technical ability in that area of the park shines. He often drifts into that position under Pellegrini, where he can utilise clever movement in central areas. Raw pace make him an effective attribute in wide triangles, and his engine ensures he charges up and down the right flank repeatedly.

When it comes to his impact near both boxes, he has great delivery both in the form of early crosses and byline overlapping ones, while ten assists and and five goals in 69 outings for Betis is a healthy return for someone of his position.

Against West Ham – an example purely based on recency – Calum Chambers grew into the game as he pushed further up. He wasn’t providing the width early on, and when he offered a fifth lane of attack Arsenal really turned on the style. Emerson has made 138 progressive carries in La Liga this season, a figure only topped by five other defenders, which while different to simply providing an option, demonstrates a willingness to be an instigator in build up.

Defensive traits are key, and his 2.8 tackles won per 90 minutes in La Liga is bettered by only other defenders in the division (WhoScored). Furthermore, no player across the whole 2020/21 season in Spain’s top-flight has made more tackles and interceptions than Emerson’s 117. Not even Casemiro.

It’s little wonder Arsenal are keen as his profile both excites and suits. He’s got a strong physical presence and at only 22 years of age has plenty of scope for development and improvement. Financially is where the sticking point will come, as will needing to meet the homegrown quota, but it’s a move that makes sense from numerous angles.