Spurs struck gold selling 4/10 liability who’s been even worse than Walker this term
Tottenham Hotspur’s season has been unpredictable, marked by inconsistent performances that have swung between extreme highs and frustrating lows. Under Ange Postecoglou, the team has delivered electric displays in victories against sides like Manchester United and Aston Villa but has also looked disjointed in defeats to teams such as Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town.
However, the emphatic 4-0 win over Manchester City this past Saturday stands out as a performance that could potentially serve as a turning point for the team’s campaign. The victory was not only dominant but also offered hope for sustained good form.
While Tottenham’s players showcased their brilliance, Manchester City’s lineup, including former Spurs defender Kyle Walker, fell short. Walker’s poor form has been a talking point this season, but surprisingly, he is not the only ex-Tottenham full-back struggling. Another former Spurs defender has arguably endured an even worse season, drawing criticism for his performances abroad.
Kyle Walker’s decline this season has been glaring. After leaving Tottenham in 2017 for Manchester City in a record-breaking £53 million transfer, Walker’s move initially proved highly successful.
Over seven years at the club, the 34-year-old made 311 appearances, amassing an impressive trophy haul, including six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, the UEFA Champions League, and several other accolades.
Despite these achievements, age seems to be catching up with the English international. This season, his performances have consistently fallen below his previous standards, with Saturday’s match against his former club serving as a stark example of his struggles.
During the game, Walker was repeatedly exposed, with Tottenham’s Timo Werner easily getting the better of him for the fourth goal. Football pundit Tony Cascarino likened Walker’s performance to the infamous night Gareth Bale ran rings around Maicon, the legendary Brazilian full-back.
Walker’s defensive frailties were also evident earlier in the month when he struggled to contain Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma, further highlighting the extent of his decline. These lackluster displays raise questions about whether Walker’s time at the top level is nearing its end.
However, while Walker’s form has undoubtedly dipped, former Spurs full-back Emerson Royal’s season at AC Milan has been even more underwhelming. Emerson, who joined Milan during the summer transfer window for around £13 million, has struggled to find his footing in Serie A.
His performances have drawn widespread criticism, with many questioning the wisdom of Milan’s decision to invest in the Brazilian defender. Italian football writer Kaustubh Pandey even described the transfer as “a deal for the ages,” though not for the right reasons.
Emerson has failed to make a positive impact in his 14 appearances for the Rossoneri, with match ratings frequently reflecting his poor form. For instance, Football Italia rated him 4/10 in a game against Juventus, while Gazzetta dello Sport gave him a slightly higher but still disappointing 5.5/10 for his outing against Cagliari.
Over his 14 matches, Milan has managed six wins, three draws, and five losses, translating to an average of just 1.5 points per game during his time on the pitch. With no goals or assists to his name, Emerson’s contributions have been minimal at best, and his defensive lapses have left Milan fans increasingly frustrated.
Critics have been scathing in their assessments of Emerson’s time at the San Siro. Notably, football expert James Horncastle remarked that Emerson’s transfer to Milan “looks like the biggest donation in the history of Fondazione Milan,” a stinging critique that underscores the general sentiment around his performances. Despite his young age of 25, Emerson has yet to demonstrate the potential or consistency required to succeed at the highest level.
Comparing the two former Spurs defenders, it’s clear that while Walker’s struggles are concerning, Emerson’s performances have reached a level of ineffectiveness that is difficult to ignore.
Walker’s illustrious career and past successes at least provide some context for his current dip in form, whereas Emerson’s inability to adapt and deliver in Milan makes his situation seem far more dire. Both players are enduring seasons they would prefer to forget, but Emerson’s struggles stand out as the more significant disappointment.
Ultimately, Tottenham’s victory over Manchester City highlighted contrasting narratives for its former players. For Walker, the game served as another reminder of his declining influence, while Emerson’s woes at Milan continue to paint a picture of unfulfilled potential. Both players face challenges ahead as they attempt to navigate through difficult phases in their careers, but the road back to redemption seems particularly steep for Emerson.