Wayne Rooney credits Thomas Frank for resurrecting Tottenham Hotspur star Richarlison
Tottenham Hotspur have started the Premier League campaign in style, proving detractors wrong and managing to put behind their transfer frustrations. Two wins in two against Burnley and Manchester City, new boss Thomas Frank could not have asked for a better start.
Spurs smashed Burnley 3-0 at home before bagging a statement 2-0 away win over Manchester City last weekend to give the fans great hope after a forgettable last season in the Premier League. From day one, Thomas Frank has shown tactical flexibility- altering his approach against Paris Saint-Germain, Burnley and Manchester City with different formations and tweaks.
This level of adjustment game by game has already paid rich dividends, leading to several Tottenham players stepping up during this short period. However, the star of the show since the start of the pre-season has been none other than Richarlison.
Richarlison, a player who the club have been trying their best to offload all summer, is finally showing why Spurs signed him at first place from Everton in 2022. He netted an impressive brace against Burnley, including a bicycle kick, on the opening weekend of the season and followed it up with an assist in the big win over Man City. While the Brazilian did not find the back of the net, he was a constant pest for the City defenders with his pace, physicality and direct approach.
Former Premier League star gives his verdict on Richarlison
Recent reports claimed that Richarlison has been weighing up his future at White Hart Lane as he looks to cement regular first-team football ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Last week, it took Frank to publicly shut down the rumours linking the player with an exit and claiming he is now his first-choice No.9.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC Sounds, Wayne Rooney has been discussing Richarlison’s recent resurgence. The former Manchester United centre-forward turned pundit says that Frank’s tactical approach and systematic changes are really benefiting the Brazil international.
“Yeah, and Richarlison is a good player. And if you play to his strengths, then he’s a handful. And it’s similar to what I was saying before about the basics,” Wayne Rooney said.
“If Tottenham get the ball out wide, there’s no thought of going in the box. And so for the forwards, the difference that makes in terms of before the ball reaches the wide man or the full-back, you know, you might start pulling off the centre back to get across him.
“So, knowing the ball is going to come in the box, so it allows you that little bit more time to adjust your body position or readjust yourself to get that little edge on the defender.
“So, it makes it so much easier for the forwards if you know that ball is coming in. And all you’ve got to do is work on your timing and he’s aggressive, he will put himself in there. So yeah, I think the change tactically, which has happened, is certainly going to bring the best out of Richarlison for sure.”
Make or break season for Richarlison at Tottenham
Richarlison only managed 24 appearances and five goals during an injury-ravaged 2024/25 campaign that was followed by renewed speculation about his future. However, he has shown signs of getting back to his best under new boss and also pledged his commitment to Spurs.
The South American seems to have got back his joy and looks a player reborn even if it has been just three official games under Frank’s watchful eyes. Having become the first-choice No.9 now, the 28-year-old is staying at White Hart Lane this summer, at least. After battling injuries in the last two years, this is Richarlison’s make-or-break campaign at Tottenham.
