Emerson Royal has revealed that he does have experience playing as a wing-back, which will please his new boss Antonio Conte.
Emerson Royal said: “I like to communicate in training, talk about positioning, that kind of thing. But it is difficult, when I arrived in Spain that happened too. When I arrived I couldn’t speak, but little by little I began to understand some things. I just need to study, my friend! Soon I will also be speaking English.
Soon after the Brazilian’s arrival, Espirito Santo was pleased with his start but the language barrier was a key thing to be improved.
Nuno Espírito Santo said: “He has settled in well, he has to improve his English. He only hangs around with Lucas [Moura, fellow Brazilian] at this moment, which is normal, but he has settled in well.”
Royal explained that leaving Brazil was difficult because of the change in language, food and culture but being with his family helped him adapt and Moura then asked about his previous footballing career.
Emerson Royal said: “I’ve played in other positions too. I’ve played as a midfielder and a right winger. We played with two full-backs. A more withdrawn full-back and me, to do more deep-lying moves. I arrived at Sao Paulo as a midfielder and then I became a full-back there.”
This will be very pleasing for Conte as it is where he has placed Royal in his 3-4-3 set-up he has opted for in his first two matches in charge. Just a matter of weeks after his arrival at Hotspur Way, the 29-year-old had noticed the defender’s “wide stride” and hard work “back and forth” in training.
Emerson Royal said: “While I have breath, I need to go back and forth!”
