ESPN pundit says Tottenham ‘ain’t winning anything’ until they replace their 26-year-old

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ESPN pundit Steve Nicol has claimed that Richarlison isn’t a goalscorer and Tottenham will not win anything if he’s the one leading the line.

Spurs picked up a hard-fought win over Burnley yesterday thanks to an unbelievable goal from Pedro Porro. Richarlison could’ve scored a goal or two himself, but he wasted his opportunities.

ESPN pundit says Tottenham’s Richarlison isn’t a goalscorer

Tottenham signed Richarlison from Everton 18 months ago in a £60 million deal (Sky Sports).

The Brazilian, now 26, was viewed as a great option for Spurs as he’s capable of playing anywhere across the front three. His work ethic is also something that would’ve definitely caught Antonio Conte’s eye back then.

However, Richarlison had a shockingly bad debut season at Tottenham. He scored just one goal in the league all campaign, and many even viewed him as the flop of the season.

Richarlison has looked a lot better recently, but he didn’t have the greatest of games last night, and Steve Nicol has claimed that he just isn’t a goalscorer.

The pundit also went as far as saying Tottenham will not win anything if they continue with a player whose numbers are as poor as Richarlison’s.

He said on ESPN FC: “They’re missing a goal scorer. I mean all the questions when Son left was who’s going to put the ball in the back of the net? Who’s going to pick up on what he’s not going to be able to deliver? The truth is we don’t have an answer to that because Richarlison’s not a goalscorer.

“If ever there was a game that showed that, it was tonight. The two (chances) we showed in the first half on his left-hand side – pretty weak, both attempts. And then, he’s whiffing on a header.

“So, you know, I guess if you are Postecoglou, you are delighted you’re through tonight, but at the same time, they should have made this easier and they would have done if they had somebody up front who actually is a goalscorer.”

When people in the studio pointed out that Richarlison has been scoring goals recently, Nicol replied: “But that’s the point, you’ve just said ‘he was’. Well, because before that little spell he had, it was barren and that’s the problem with Richarlison, you know?

“His record with Tottenham is one in four. Now, you ain’t winning anything if your centre-forward is one in four, particularly when your two wide guys are really not there to score goals. This isn’t Salah and Mane of a couple of years ago. It’s Johnson and Kulusevski, so who’s going to score?”

Richarlison has looked a lot better

Since undergoing a procedure to get rid of the injury that was troubling him, Richarlison has looked like a completely different player.

The Brazilian has scored five goals in his last five Premier League games, and it really does look like we’re going to see the best out of him.

Last night’s performance in front of goal was underwhelming, but that was the case with everyone on the pitch until Pedro Porro made you say ‘wow‘ with his stunning goal.

It’s not fair to write off Richarlison just yet – there’s every chance he will become prolific for Tottenham in the coming weeks and months.