Tottenham fans want Emerson Royal dropped from the team (Photo: Getty)
Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has urged Antonio Conte to drop Emerson Royal from his Tottenham team.
Royal has emerged as one of Conte’s most trusted players this season, having started nine of the 10 Premier League games he has been available for, as well Tottenham’s opening four Champions League fixtures.
However, many have questioned why the manager has persisted with the right-back given how his performances have left a lot to be desired.
The Brazil international has not looked good defensively, notably getting sent off in the derby defeat at Arsenal, and lacks the attacking prowess required in a top wing-back, with just one assist in 15 appearances so far.
His shortcomings have certainly not flown under the radar either, with Royal’s embarrassing attempt at a no-look pass in the clash with Sporting Lisbon last week receiving widespread mockery.
‘Supporters are already asking what incriminating evidence Emerson Royal has on Conte to repeatedly make his starting line-up,’ Sutton told the MailOnline.
‘He is a weak link for Tottenham. He’s not good enough defensively and he doesn’t offer much in an attacking sense.
Djed Spence has played just three minutes of football this season (Photo: Getty)
‘He’s got too many mistakes and daft decisions in him, like the needless no-look pass that went out of play against Sporting Lisbon.’
Since his move from Barcelona last season, Royal has rarely shown that he can be a top player for Spurs, with fans demanding Conte drop the 23-year-old and give summer signing Djed Spence a chance to prove his worth.
As for other options, Tottenham also have the experienced Matt Doherty, while left-wing-backs Ivan Perisic and Ryan Sessegnon are in great form and have performed very well on the right flank.
Former Norwich, Blackburn Rovers and Celtic star Sutton has called for changes ahead of the Lilywhites’ crucial Champions League clash at Olympique Marseille on Tuesday night.
‘Marseille would be glad to see Royal in the Tottenham team when they have better wing-backs in Ivan Perisic and Ryan Sessegnon,’ he added.
‘Spurs were so much better in their comeback at Bournemouth once Perisic and Sessegnon were on the pitch together.’
MORE : Former Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez relishing chance to knock Tottenham out of Champions League
MORE : Nasty’s nice for Tottenham boss Antonio Conte before final showdown
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Spurs fans want the player benched for the crucial Champions League clash.
