Speaking in the matchday programme (via Football.London), Emerson Royal paid tribute to his Tottenham Hotspur teammates who have helped him find his feet at the club and begin to excel in his role as a wing-back.
Royal joined Tottenham from Barcelona in the summer of 2021 after a successful two-year loan spell with Real Betis. However, the Brazilian struggled to replicate the form that had helped him catch the eye over in Spain.
Having been signed by Nuno Espirito Santo as a full-back, the transition to being a wing-back under Antonio Conte was something of a shock to the system for Royal.
His performances elicited criticism from the Tottenham supporters and it looked like Royal may even leave the club in January.
However, it was Matt Doherty and Djed Spence who departed North London, with Pedro Porro arriving to provide competition for Royal. Since then, the 24-year-old has thrived and has two goals in his last six appearances (Transfermarkt).
On the support he has received, Royal said: “[Lucas and Richarlison are] both incredible players – two of the best. It is a great pleasure to share the pitch with them.
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“Richarlison has only just got here but he already has a very important role to play. Here Lucas is a very experienced player, and he helps us a lot.”
“Richarlison and I are quite similar in the sense that we’re both young at heart, he is a young player, and we get on well together.
“The same with Lucas, but he is more of a father for me and Richarlison. During the times that us two get annoyed, Lucas is the one to calm us down.”
Royal was full of praise for his Brazilian compatriots, stating: “Given that mix, I’d say that both have played a very important role in helping me get to the level I’m currently at.
“[Cristian] Romero too. He has helped me a lot on and off the pitch. He is a great guy. It’s an honour to play with them all.”
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It’s been a revelation to see Royal improve in the manner he has, and the influence of Romero is certainly clear to see, as Royal has become a little more aggressive on the pitch.
Royal is clearly a very popular member of the squad and appears to be properly comfortable both on and off the pitch now.
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