According to journalist Tom Allnutt, Emerson Royal might not have a lasting future at Tottenham Hotspur under manager Ange Postecoglou.
Allnutt asserts that the Brazilian full-back could find himself confined to a backup role if he wishes to remain at Spurs.
Since the arrival of Pedro Porro from Sporting Lisbon last January, Porro has firmly secured the top spot as the right-back for the team, leaving Royal reduced to a substitute role.
Despite recently getting a few starting opportunities due to the club’s injury woes, Royal’s place in the starting lineup remains uncertain.
The absence of Micky van de Ven and Emerson Royal resulted in Postecoglou starting Ben Davies and Royal in central defense for their last two games.
However, with Romero’s set to return from suspension against West Ham, Royal is expected to return to the bench, with Davies likely to pair up alongside Romero.
Allnutt believes that Royal might have to come to terms with a reduced role as a backup player if he wants to continue with the North London club.
Speaking on The Tottenham Way, Allnutt claimed that Royal’s discomfort in playing out of position and the indications within the team dynamics might suggest a limited future for him at Spurs.
He said:
“It’s easy to dismiss all the injuries they’ve got and you’re right, Emerson is playing out of position.”
“There are times when Emerson does look quite uncomfortable but it’s to be expected, it’s just not his position.
“He, for me, doesn’t seem like someone who is here for the long-term under Postecoglou, unless he’s happy to be a back-up.”
