Antonio Conte is said to be unconvinced by Emerson Royal and does not believe he is suited to being a right wing-back at Tottenham, according to The Times.
The 22-year-old has managed to secure a regular spot in the Spurs line-up since joining the club from Barcelona and, since Conte’s arrival at the club in November, has seen his role alter to right wing-back.
The Brazil international has regularly got into good positions high up the pitch, but the quality of his delivery into the penalty area has often left a lot to be desired.
Conte recently called for Emerson and left wing-back Sergio Reguilon to improve their use of the ball in wide areas after wasteful displays in the narrow win over Watford on New Year’s Day.
However, The Times claim the former Inter Milan boss is allegedly still not impressed with Emerson’s performances in the role and is not convinced he fits the bill going forward.
Spurs are said to be keen on addressing the issue by looking to bring in Wolves winger Adama Traore this month, with a deal worth £20 million reportedly on the table.
Reports have suggested Conte views the Spaniard as a potential conversion into right wing-back as he did with Victor Moses at Chelsea.
Spurs Web Opinion
It is a tricky one with Emerson. He can definitely do a very good job as a right-back, but he doesn’t have the quality needed to be a rounded right wing-back. He’s good defensively and gets into decent areas going forward, but the final ball really lets him down. It’s something he needs to work on to really succeed in the role.
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