Tottenham Hotspur right-back, Emerson Royal, has opened up on how he deals with criticism when under the Premier League and Brazil spotlight.
Although Pedro Porro has been the undisputed first-choice right-back this season for Ange Postecoglou in Tottenham’s new inverted full-back system, Emerson has still been a regular.
The Brazilian has seven appearances to his name across the ten Premier League matches this season, including a goal in the early days of Postecoglou’s reign.
In recent weeks, Emerson was introduced in the second half to replace the injured Destiny Udogie at left-back against Fulham before coming on for the full second 45 against Crystal Palace too.
Although he may not be a superstar of the current Spurs XI, the former Barcelona man is trusted by Postecoglou and his versatility is proving valuable for the Lilywhites so far this season.
(Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Emerson holds himself to his own high standards
When asked about the criticism that gets levelled at him, Emerson said (R7): “I’ve always been a guy who has a lot of confidence in myself and my work.
“The fans, narrator, commentator and whoever is watching don’t know what I do every day, they don’t watch my training, they don’t know the work I do at home, I know who I am. They criticised me a lot, but I didn’t listen.
“Obviously, there’s no way I could escape it, because it was in front of me, on social media and in the stadium, but I knew my potential.
“I believe that in a situation like this, you have two options: either you victimise yourself or you turn things around, and I’ve always been the person to turn things around.”
Spurs Web Opinion:
Not everyone can start, but everyone has to contribute. Emerson has done himself proud every time he has stepped onto the pitch this season and he is clearly a great trainer. You never know when an injury might thrust you into the regular starting XI, but I’m sure Emerson would be ready for that.
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