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Spurs defender Emerson Royal has praised teammates Richarlison and Lucas Moura for helping him rediscover his form.

The full-back has not always been a regular starter during his time at the north London outfit, but is now very much relied upon by manager Antonio Conte.

And the defender’s displays have not gone unnoticed, with Royal nominated for February’s Premier League Player of the Month award, the winner of which has yet to be announced.

Spurs defender thanks compatriots

Contents

1 Spurs defender thanks compatriots
- 1.1 Romero another inspiration for Royal
  - 1.1.1 Spurs to come good this month?

The Brazil international played a key role in victories over Manchester City, West Ham and Chelsea last month, and has now picked out two of his compatriots for helping him find his feet once again.

“They’re both incredible players – two of the best,” Royal told the Spurs website. “It is a great pleasure to share the pitch with them.

“Richarlison has only just got here but he already has a very important role to play here. Lucas is a very experienced player, and he helps us a lot.

“Richarlison and I are quite similar in the sense that we’re both young at heart, he is a young player, and we get on well together. The same with Lucas, but he is more of a father for me and Richarlison. During the times that us two get annoyed, Lucas is the one to calm us down.

“Given that mix, I’d say that both have played a very important role in helping me get to the level I’m currently at.”

Romero another inspiration for Royal

Emerson also took a moment to explain the importance of fellow defender Christian Romero, yet another player who has helped him improve both on and off the pitch.

The Argentine has become a fan favourite at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for his aggressive displays in the Premier League and Champions League.

“Romero too – he has helped me a lot on and off the pitch,” noted Royal. “He is a great guy. It’s an honour to play with them all.”

Spurs

Spurs to come good this month?

While there were reasons to celebrate last month, March has not started so brightly for Spurs, with the club losing both of their matches so far.

Conte’s men lost 1-0 to Championship side Sheffield United on 1 March, before falling to defeat in the league against Wolves by the same scoreline three days later.

Up next is a hugely tricky tie against AC Milan in the Champions League round of 16 second leg, with the Italian giants having won the first leg 1-0 last month.

Royal will no doubt have a key role to play in the highly-anticipated encounter, with the defender now confident in his ability after a shaky period.

“I’ve always worked hard on my game throughout my time here,” added Royal. “I know that, at times, it has been hard, it has been difficult, but I never lost focus on my football.

“I always tried to do what I always did to get here in the first place. Now, thanks to God, better things are coming my way and that has been the case in recent matches. I think that you can see when a player is confident, it shows on the pitch. Things come easier and work better.”