Richarlison was linked extensively with a possible summer transfer exit for most of the recently concluded summer transfer window. But we saw how the Brazilian has pulled off a complete one-eighty to his time at Hotspur Way.
And Richy has credited incoming Lilywhites head coach Thomas Frank with reviving his career at Hotspur Way. He went on to admit how the former Brentford manager has already had a major impact on his form and confidence.
Richarlison speaks on his rejuvenation under Frank
We saw the Brazilian coming off the bench in his national team’s latest World Cup qualifier win against Chile. And recently he spoke to Itatiaia Esporte (as relayed by Sport Witness), where the former Everton forward revealed how Thomas Frank has wasted no time in having a clear strategy planned out to get Richy firing again.
He said:
“I had a good pre-season, worked hard and the new Tottenham coach [Thomas Frank] made a plan for me. I managed to follow that plan closely and everything went well.
“So I started this season well and I hope to keep it that way to earn my spot. I think the pressure is bigger, but what matters is that I keep working hard.
“I want to win that confidence back. I had injuries and personal problems before, but that is resolved now.”
It looks like this personal touch from Frank is said to be paying off. Given that if we look at the 28-year-old, he is looking sharper and hungrier than he has looked for most of his time at Hotspur Way since his highly anticipated £60m move. This looks more like the Richarlison that Tottenham thought they were signing. He is more direct running into channels, and his pressing intensity is better than it has been for years.
Now with his time at Tottenham getting right, he is looking to push to reclaim his place at the starting #9 for Brazil. At the moment, Chelsea striker Joao Pedro looks to be leading the race at the striking position, but Richarlison knows that his performances at N17 could end up being decisive with the World Cup on the horizon.
Author Opinion
This rejuvenation from Richy shows how Frank is capable of getting the best out of players. And this is exactly why the chiefs at Hotspur Way brought the Dane head coach to N17. He is someone who can not only change how players play individually but then put them in his structured approach, and it suddenly takes this Tottenham to a world-class side, like we have seen from the first couple of weeks of the Premier League.
And now it is about Richarlison bringing some consistency to his game. Be it goals, assists or the impact that he had on the pitch against Manchester City by just being a menace.
How many goals do you think Richarlison needs to score to take that #9 role for Brazil heading into the World Cup? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.