Tottenham man Emerson Royal is a "frustrating player to watch" and is causing Antonio Conte a problem, according to insider Dean Jones.

The £42,000 per-week defender is 15 months into his Spurs career but is still yet to endear himself to the north London club's faithful.

What's the latest news involving Royal?

Following Serge Aurier's move to Villarreal last summer, Spurs brought in Royal for £25m from Barcelona.

He would come straight into the team and has started most Premier League games since his arrival in English football.

GiveMeSport The Verdict

This comes despite Royal's questionable form and ability to play as a wing-back in Conte's system, with his one goal and two assists in 46 appearances under the Italian's guidance an extremely underwhelming return.

However, with Conte claiming that Djed Spence is not ready for the Premier League and Matt Doherty feeling the effects from his knee injury sustained back in April, Royal has still been his first choice at right wing-back.

Even after Royal was sent off in the north London derby and therefore suspended for three games, he came straight back into the side for the Newcastle game last weekend.

What did Jones say about Royal?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "He's a frustrating player to watch, but I think the bigger issue here is that there's nobody that Conte feels is better equipped to fill the role in the team and that's a problem really."

Should Royal be dropped by Conte?

Royal hasn't been the worst defensive servant when he's played, albeit after a questionable showing against Bournemouth, but his lack of ability in the final third simply doesn't justify a starting place.

According to WhoScored, he makes 0.4 crosses per game, which is way less than someone like Ivan Perisic, who registers 1.8 every appearance and has laid on five assists in the top-flight.

In truth, even when Royal does get into crossing positions, they're either off target or lacking quality, which explains why he averages an assist every 28 matches for Tottenham.

Royal's other numbers don't make for great reading either, with the Brazil international chipping in with less than one shot, key pass and successful dribble every time he takes to the pitch.