Emerson Royal has admitted that he felt very comfortable in Ryan Mason's Tottenham team following a change in formation. Operating in a 3-4-3 system over the past 18 months under both Antonio Conte and Cristian Stellini, Spurs' new acting head coach changed things up slightly for the visit of Crystal Palace.
Playing in 4-4-2 when they were not on the ball as they looked to frustrate the Eagles, Spurs then switched to 3-4-3 when in possession. That meant Emerson Royal was utilised as a right-back and then on the right of a back three when the team were pushing on and looking to score.
Having his struggles in a right wing-back role during his time in north London as he has played the vast majority of his career as a right-back, the change from Mason certainly benefitted the 24-year-old.
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"Yes, for me it's very good, I'm used to playing in this position," the Brazil international told SPURSPLAY after the win over Crystal Palace. "But when we have the ball, I stay more inside like a centre-back on the right. So, for me it's not difficult to do this position because I know how to play from the back.
"I can do this position, I've played like this in the national team. I felt very comfortable in this formation and I think we can achieve good things."
Emerson's place in the starting XI was a bit of a surprise ahead of kick-off as he had been working his way back to fitness after undergoing surgery on his knee at the end of March. Asked about what Mason said to the Tottenham team prior to the Crystal Palace match, the defender revealed that the acting head coach had come to him the day before the game and asked if he was in a position to start.
"Ryan is a person who helps us a lot. He's young for a coach but he knows about the dressing room, he played football, he knows how to deal with the players and he gave us a lot of confidence," explained Emerson.
"He spoke to me yesterday and he asked me if I could start the game and I told him that I would do anything to help the team. If he thinks he can count on me for starting this game, I would do it.
"He didn't say much, he just told us that he trusted us and that we had to get into the game and do our thing. That by doing our thing we would win the game, and that's what happened."
A boost for Tottenham to have the player available for selection once again, Emerson believes that he has important qualities that help the team.
"Yes. I think that I have, not only me, but all the players are really important for the team," he outlined. "But I think I have something that can help. I have an aggressiveness, I have a leadership on the field, so when I'm in the game I try to do my best. I always get in or do whatever it takes to help the team. I think that's been important."
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