Emerson

Who is Emerson?

Emerson Palmieri dos Santos, known as Emerson Palmieri or just Emerson, is an Italo-Brazilian defender who plays for the Premier League side Chelsea and the Italy national team.

Born in Santos, Sao Paulo, the left-back finished his formation in local Santos’ youth system and made his senior team debut in 2011, coming on as a late substitute for forward Keirrison in a 3–0 Campeonato Paulista home victory against Paulista.

In February, Emerson returned to the youth team, but the star was called up to the match versus Mogi Mirim in the following month.

Palmieri also appeared against Paulista and Ituano, as the club was crowned winners of Paulistao for the third consecutive time.

On 25 August 2014, he was loaned to Italian Serie A’s Palermo, with a buyout clause.

Emerson made his debut in the competition in September, coming on as a second-half substitute for defender Fabio Daprela in a 3–3 away draw versus Napoli.

On 31 August 2015, Palmieri joined fellow division team Roma, on loan for one year. He made his Giallorossi debut on 4 October in a 4–2 away win over former side Palermo.

On 5 December 2016, after reaching 12 appearances during the campaign, he was bought outright for a reported sum of €2 million.

Two years later, Emerson joined the Blues on a four-and-half-year deal for an undisclosed sum. According to Roma, the transfer fee was €20m plus €9m add-ons.

What can we say about his international career?

Emerson represented Brazil at the U17 level during the 2011 South American Under-17 Championship and during the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup, being crowned winners of the former.

He was a regular during both tournaments, scoring a goal versus Chile on 16 March 2011.

In March 2017, after being close to obtaining Italian citizenship, Emerson was allegedly pursued by Italy manager Gian Piero Ventura with the idea of switching his international allegiance to Italy.

Emerson officially switched allegiance to Italy on 29 March 2017. The player made his senior international debut for them in September 2017.

On 11 July, Palmieri won the European Championship with his country following a 3–2 penalty shoot-out victory against England at Wembley Stadium in the final.

In what positions can Emerson play and how can we characterize him?

He usually plays as a left-back, and is known for his physical qualities, athleticism, stamina, and technique, making Emerson an effective offensive asset.

Chelsea man is also known for his skill to get past opponents and provide crosses into the penalty area.

A versatile player, Emerson is also capable of operating as a wing-back or wide midfielder on the left side and has even been used in a more advanced position as an offensive wide attacker on occasion.

Palmieri is also very skilful, reads the game well and possesses a good range of passing.