5 things that Emerson Royal will bring to Barcelona this summer

Real Betis' Brazilian defender Emerson Royal challenges Barcelona's Spanish defender Jordi Alba (R).(Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images)
Real Betis' Brazilian defender Emerson Royal challenges Barcelona's Spanish defender Jordi Alba (R).(Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images)
5 of 6
Barcelona, Emerson Royal
Real Betis’ Brazilian defender Emerson Royal is set to return to Barcelona for the next La Liga season. (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER / AFP) (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images)

#4 Ball progressor

The Brazilian is a right-back, hence it means that he’s got to be a good ball carrier or progressor. It means that whenever he is on the ball, the team can catch a breath because there will not be much risk of losing the ball. Dest, oftentimes, lost possession while trying to dribble past the opposition which gives the opposition a massive counter-attack opportunity as the entire right-flank is left unprotected.

Emerson in that sense is more reliable than Dest and could play a key role in strengthening the right flank. As a right-back, he can be part of build-ups and counterattacks by being a top-notch ball progressor. He can help the team move the ball forward while also making sure that the space he has created behind him is not left unguarded.

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations