Emerson Royal has had a rollercoaster start to his time at Tottenham. The Brazilian made the move to the capital last summer, bought as a right-back under Nuno Espirito Santo.
It is very clear to see that Royal's strengths lie in his defensive ability, which would've been one reason to bring him to N17. However with Antonio Conte's arrival, the defender has needed to try and adapt to the wing-back role that is so important in the Italian's system and that is where he has struggled.
The 23-year-old was competing with Matt Doherty last year and got a number of opportunities to impress, with the Irishman's injury ending his season prematurely. There were a mixture of performances displayed and although he saw some improvement towards the end of the season, it the lack of consistency and attacking qualities that were letting him down.
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This inconsistency and lack of impact as a wing-back led to many questions regarding his future at Spurs. The competition for a spot at right wing-back grew even more, with the Lilywhites signing Djed Spence from Middlesbrough.
With Spence's arrival, it has only raised even more questions over the right wing-back role, with Conte now having three options. Ahead of Tottenham's first match against Southampton, the 53-year-old had made some comments which made it seem like Doherty may be the first choice on the right flank this season.
"I hope to bring him [Doherty] in the same situation as last season as I think Matthew, he played really well. At the moment we need to have a bit of patience. He needs to have a bit of patience but is working very well to be fit quickly," Conte said.
However the 53-year-old also commented on some concerns over the Irish international's fitness. With Spence never playing in the Premier League before and these concerns raised, it then may not have been so much of a surprise to see Royal in the starting line-up on Saturday.
It was a shaky start for the Brazilian in the first half and yet again, his attacking ability was letting him down. Royal also ended up on the floor, when trying to tackle Moussa Djenepo, in the build-up to Southampton's goal.
However his performance majorly improved in the second half. The defender picked up an assist for Dejan Kulusevski's goal, two minutes before setting up Mohammed Salisu's own goal.
During his 87 minutes on the pitch Royal made two clearances, three tackles, produced two key passes and had three shots. Conte did have a few words of praise for Royal, in his post match press conference.
"Emerson played a good game. Now we have to continue in this way," he said.
It is going to be difficult for all three right wing-backs to get game time at Tottenham and so it could still see one of them leave, with Royal being the most likely. His performance against the Saints caused a mixed reaction from fans and it is only the first game of the season.
The Lilywhites have a few more games to play before transfer deadline day and it means there is still time for Conte to make a decision on the Brazilian and offers to potentially come in. Before Saturday, thoughts on him leaving may have been growing.
However now the decision may have been made that bit harder and there are questions still to be answered, in regards to whether Royal will remain at Tottenham this season.
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