Richarlison is quickly becoming the first-choice centre forward at Tottenham Hotspur under Thomas Frank
Tottenham forward Richarlison has certainly started the new season on a positive note under Thomas Frank. The Brazil international is playing with more gusto and energy, almost as if he has a point to prove at N17. One may say that the 28-year-old has not endured the best of times donning the Lilywhite jersey in recent seasons. But the ex-Everton star has adapted a different mindset this time around.
The prolific forward did not waste any time under Thomas Frank after scoring a brace in the season opener against Burnley. He then followed that up with a strong performance against Manchester City, grabbing an assist along the way. The 28-year-old’s brilliant start to the new campaign also earned him a Brazil national team call-up for the last international break.
Much to his credit, Richarlison has picked up right he where he left off after getting on the scoresheet yet again in Tottenham’s game against Brighton. The Brazilian was in the right place at the right time for the Lilywhites, managing to find the back of the net after Mohammed Kudus’ cross-cum-shot ended up at his feet in the six-yard box. His goal started a flurry of attacks from Spurs, eventually helping the club earn a well-deserved draw.
Tottenham forward Richarlison is certainly improving under Thomas Frank
Not many expected Richarlison to continue his goal-scoring streak for Tottenham after he found the back of the net against Burnley. There were murmurs that the Brazilian had hit a purple patch and he would not be able to convert it into something meaningful under Thomas Frank. But credit where its due, the forward has certainly improved his game under Frank, and his performance against Brighton is a proof of that.
Sharing the same sentiment, Alan Shearer also named the ex-Everton star in his Premier League ‘Team of the Week.’ Writing for the league’s official website, Shearer stated,
“A constant thorn in the side for Brighton’s defence, he scored a crucial goal just before half-time to get Spurs back into the match as they earned an impressive point from 2-0 down.”
As Alan Shearer rightly pointed out, Richarlison was a constant menace for the Brighton defenders when the two sides met last weekend. The Brazil international was holding up the ball well, and he also managed to link-up with Bregvall and Kudus on a few separate occasions. Not to forget, it was the 28-year-old’s goal before half-time that started Spurs’ unlikely comeback against the Seagulls.
Despite enduring a good run of form under Thomas Frank, the Spurs No.9 still has a long way to go before he can become a mainstay in the starting eleven. Fans will hope that Richarlison does not take the foot off the pedal at any point this season, as the Lilywhites aim to build on their Europa League success this time around.