Tottenham fullback Emerson Royal feels fans are now seeing his best.

The Brazil international is thriving this season after a tough first campaign at Spurs last term.

He told the club's website: “I've always worked hard on my game throughout my time here," Emerson said as he reflected on his Spurs career to date. “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.

“And I have always been myself; the same player. Some people say that 'it's a different Emerson' but, the truth is, I've always been the same player, the same Emerson - the one who played for the Brazil national team, Real Betis and Barcelona. Now I find myself in the team, playing well and I hope that it continues for a long time."

It was Emerson's performance in the home win over Manchester City on 5 February which perhaps can be pinpointed as the game in which his resurgence really took flight.

“Yes, definitely (it was a turning point)," he smiled. “It was a huge game at home in front of our fans just after we played at their place - where I scored - and unfortunately lost.

“I'd say, after that away match, something clicked for me, and people started to speak positively about me again. You could see that at home, the team had the support from the fans, and they showed their confidence in me."