According to a recent report by Calciomercato, Barcelona full-back Emerson is on AC Milan’s radar this summer after his excellent loan spell at Real Betis in the recently concluded La Liga season. However, the same source has also revealed that Barca’s €30m asking price could scare off the San Siro giants with Newcastle United, Benfica, Bayer Leverkusen and Tottenham Hotspur also keeping tabs on the player.
Emerson’s Impressive Loan Spell At Betis
Emerson has completed year one of his two-year loan spell with Betis and has managed to justify his worth by producing some eye-catching displays on the right side of Alexis Trujillo’s defence. He has featured in 34 matches for the Spanish outfit this term, scoring three goals and providing six assists in all competitions which highlight his incredible contributions going forward.
The 21-year-old has been a complete right-back for Betis this season after averaging 2.2 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, 1.4 clearances, 0.8 shots, 0.9 key passes and 0.5 crosses per game in La Liga so far. However, he needs to improve his ball-distribution based on his pass success rate of 79.1% in league football (stats via whoscored).
Emerson represented the Brazilian national side in one senior match when he came off the bench to feature as a substitute versus South Korea in an exhibition match back in November last year. Maybe sealing a permanent move away from the Nou Camp could help him earn even more first-team football for both club and country in the coming years.
What Are The Brazilian Defender’s Strengths?
Emerson can utilise his quickness and agility to provide a decent outlet for his team out on the wide areas. He is not afraid to get stuck in with a few tackles and is proficient at making some vital interceptions and last-ditch clearances inside his own half. The Brazilian can also whip in some inviting crosses into the opposition penalty box and doesn’t let himself back away from unleashing a shot from long range when allowed time and space by the opponent.
Should The Catalan Giants Cash In On Emerson?
Emerson still has a lot to learn before he can be included in the world-class bracket, but the early signs have been quite promising from him. Hence, Barca should reconsider their stance on whether they should sanction the South American whizkid’s departure this summer. It will be logical for them to keep him on loan at Betis for another season before deciding on his future next summer.
The Catalan outfit will be better off holding on to Emerson for now as he could end up becoming a fan-favourite at the Nou Camp someday. Plus, he is more than capable of giving Nelson Semedo and Moussa Wagué a run for their money in the race to secure a regular right-back berth in Quique Setien’s starting XI.
