Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte is ‘not the biggest fan’ of right wing-back Emerson Royal, which may make his run in the team a surprise to some supporters, according to journalist Paul Brown. Royal has started every game for Spurs so far this season and appears to have established himself as his manager’s preferred option.
The Brazilian made the move to north London from Barcelona in the summer of 2021, beating Arsenal to the £26 million deal that will run until 2026.
His first season was an unconvincing one, but he remained a regular at right wing-back under both Nuno Espirito Santo and Conte, playing 44 times in all competitions.
After Djed Spence was signed from Middlesbrough in the summer for £20 million, Royal may have been concerned his place in the squad was in danger.