‘Space for improvement’: Conte delivers verdict on one of his Tottenham players

Add as preferred source on Google

Antonio Conte has told his post-match press conference – as per Football London – that Tottenham defender Emerson Royal has “space for improvement”. The Brazilian is impressing under the guidance of Conte at Spurs.

Emerson, 22, joined Tottenham in the summer from Barcelona for a fee of £25million (Guardian). But he made a slow start, struggling to show his best form under the pragmatic style of Nuno Espirito Santo.

Indeed, his debut for Tottenham came in the form of a 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace – one of the worst performances during Nuno’s short reign. But Conte has improved Spurs, and Emerson is an example of that.

As is, the complete turnaround in result on Boxing Day. Spurs got revenge on Palace, winning 3-0 themselves thanks to a goal each from their front three in Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Lucas Moura.

Speaking in his press conference after the match on Boxing Day, Conte discussed the in-form Emerson. He brought the right-back down to Earth, despite Emerson getting an assist for his compatriot Lucas.

“For sure Emerson has big space for improvement,” Conte said, following the 3-0 win in North London. “Emerson is very young and he has to continue to work. This good connection [With Lucas] could be good for the whole team.”

Conte on Emerson: Tottenham star deserves praise, but Italian is right

The issue for Emerson, in the first few days, was that he joined Tottenham right at the end of the window. He missed a pre-season with Spurs, a crucial couple of months to learn more about his teammates and the club.

That means he has been playing catch-up since his move to London. But after a few months, and the guidance of Conte, Emerson is improving with every appearance he makes. He was flying on the right during the 3-0 win.