Cristian Stellini has praised Emerson Royal’s display against Manchester City, stating that the Brazilian showcased his desire and determination to help the team.
It is an understatement to say that Emerson is not a particularly popular player among Spurs fans, with the right-back even being jeered off the pitch when he was substituted during Tottenham’s 4-3 win over Leeds United back in November.
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Some sections of the fan base were not pleased to see the club offload Djed Spence and Matt Doherty rather than the former Real Betis man in January to make space for Pedro Porro.
However, the 24-year-old served a timely reminder of his defensive capabilities against Manchester City, performing admirably against Jack Grealish, who was the visitors’ most threatening player on the night.
Stellini praised Emerson after the game and remarked that the wing-back had started the season well and his form had only tailed off after his sending off in the North London derby back in October.
When asked about the defender’s performance, Tottenham’s assistant coach told Football.London: “Yes Emerson was one of the most important.
“In the end of the game, he had two or three situations and he showed his desire like all the team. It is important to have different players in the same position with different skills and you use the player when you need. Emerson showed today he is a good player.
“I think that in the Arsenal game in October, he didn’t deserve a red card and he lose his place in that moment.
“He lost his place in that moment, a not good red card, it was not a good decision, it create for Emerson a problem and he need time to find that place because for the first six games of the season, he was this player.”
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Conte’s decision to hold on to Emerson was clearly to ensure that Tottenham have two different kinds of options at right wing-back as the Brazilian is defensively better than both Doherty and Spence, despite his attacking short-comings. Conte and the coaching staff also clearly value the mentality and the commitment that the Brazilian possesses.
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