Everton must hope Richarlison does not continue following Jo’s footsteps

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Everton fought hard to a 2-2 draw in their opening game of the Premier League season at the weekend. Despite playing the second half with just 10 men, owing to Phil Jagielka’s red card, the Toffees managed to put in a decent performance.

It was also a dream debut for Richarlison. The £50 million man was in fine form, scoring both of Everton’s goals to earn a point and some love from his new fans.

It was an impressive debut display and the first time a player had scored twice for Everton on debut since 2009.

Interestingly, the scorer on that occasion was also a Brazilian forward. The player in question was Jo, who netted two goals against Bolton Wanderers in a 3-0 win.

It was a breathtaking debut from the on-loan striker, who had arrived from Manchester City. He won the penalty which Mikel Arteta scored to get the ball rolling. He then scored a well-drilled shot from the edge of the box before adding a penalty of his own.

It was, like Richarlison, the perfect start.

But Everton fans will hope this is where the comparisons stop.

Jo had an initial good run with Everton, scoring five in 12 games at the end of the 2008-09 campaign under David Moyes.

“He left over a busy period for us. He is back now but he left us short of players so at the moment he is suspended. I am disappointed. We like Jô, he has been a really good lad and we have enjoyed having him. But there has to be discipline at all football clubs.” 

– David Moyes on Jo’s absence in 2009

He was subsequently signed on a season-long deal for the following season, which did not go as well. He scored twice in 23 games, with neither goal coming in the Premier League. He then disappeared back to Brazil over the Christmas period and was suspended by a furious Moyes.

Nowadays, a 31-year-old Jo has shaped a solid career since his Everton mishap. He won caps for Brazil as recently as 2014 and is currently a regular goalscorer in Japan with Nagoya Grampus.

But Everton fans will hope Richarlison has a more distinct and lasting impact at Goodison Park.