Emerson Royal has revealed he has been pleased with the way he is adapting to the Premier League in his first season in English football.
Emerson initially showed some promise when operating as a right-back in a back four under Nuno Espirito Santo but the Brazilian has not quite been able to have the expected impact as a right wing-back since Antonio Conte arrived at the club six months ago.
The 23-year-old had lost his place in the starting eleven to Matt Doherty until the Republic of Ireland suffered a medial collateral ligament tear last month, which put him out of action for the rest of the season.
Some reports have indicated that Conte has given the green light for Tottenham to cash in on Emerson, with the Italian thought to be keen on signing a new right wing-back this summer (The Sun).
Emerson has now admitted that his first season in the Premier League has been challenging but insisted he has progressed as a player.
The former Barcelona man said in an interview in Tottenham’s newsletter (as relayed by Football.London): “It’s been a productive season and one where I’ve learned a lot.
“I came from a different league and physicality, but I think I’ve been adapting well. You want fast results but have to understand there is a process to respect, but I think it’s gone well.”
Spurs Web Opinion
I still think Emerson could potentially be a decent right-back in a back four but he simply does not offer enough going forward to adapt into a useful wing-back. I think Spurs have no choice but to cash in on the 23-year-old this summer as I do not see Conte moving away from his tried and tested system.
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