Expert suggests real reason Emerson Royal keeps starting for Tottenham
Emerson Royal’s role in the dressing room may be keeping him in the Tottenham starting XI.
That is according to Spurs insider John Wenham, who regularly breaks news about the club on his Lilywhite Rose social media channels.
Royal has started all three of Tottenham’s Premier League games this season despite speculation over his future.
Matt Doherty was preferred as Antonio Conte’s first-choice right wing-back towards the end of the 2021-22 season before picking up an injury.
As well as improved performances, Wenham claims Royal’s friendship with Lucas Moura and Richarlison might be playing a role in his continued selection.
“There is something that hasn’t been picked up by anybody yet but I have picked up on,” Wenham told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“Emerson is very, very close with Richarlison and Lucas. After the games, they seem to hang around a lot at Emerson’s house.
“They have some sort of Brazilian band together with some sort of drums. I just wonder whether Emerson is helping to acclimatise Richarlison to the club.
“Lucas is a popular figure in the dressing room and has been here a long time so those three are quite a key cog.
“It might just be that keeping Emerson Royal in the team is keeping Richarlison happy. They seem like quite a close trio and it might be something to keep an eye on.”
Royal joined Spurs from Barcelona in the summer of 2021.
He made 31 Premier League appearances during his first season at the club.
In other news, one Tottenham expert is backing Antonio Conte’s Djed Spence decision as fans fume.