‘I was impressed’: Antonio Conte says 25-year-old Tottenham player’s attitude and work-rate really caught his eye yesterday

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Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte has told the club’s official website that he was impressed by new signing Richarlison’s performance on his debut yesterday.

Spurs kicked off their pre-season with a 6-3 win over Team K-League yesterday and Conte handed his new Brazilian signing a starting place up front.

And while Richarlison didn’t manage to get on the scoresheet, he has certainly put a smile on his new manager’s face after his performance.

Richarlison’s attitude and work-rate really caught Conte’s eye

Speaking on the Tottenham Youtube channel, he said: “I was impressed with his attitude, his will and his desire.

“I like him in both roles – number nine and also in the second half as a number 10.

“He showed a great spirit to sacrifice for the team and it was a good performance from him.”

The 25-year-old joined the North London club this summer for a hefty fee worth around £60 million (BBC) and it seems that Conte is already happy with his new forward.

The ‘fantastic’ Brazilian linked up well with his new teammates during the game and could have got his name on the scoresheet on a couple of occasions.

In the first-half, he dribbled smartly around the opposition goalkeeper but his final touch just let him down before Emerson Royal took over and hit a shot wide.

His compatriot then returned the favour and put a delightful cross into the box, but Richarlison’s header was straight at the goalkeeper. Aside from that, the former Everton man showed superb willingness and moments of dazzling skill on the ball. 

TBR’s View: Richarlison could become a big player for Conte this season

The Brazilian has his work cut out this season if he is to force his way into the Spurs side, so making an impression in pre-season will be a good start for him.

He’ll be competing with Harry Kane, Heung-Min Son and Dejan Kulusevski for a place in Conte’s attacking trio, which would be tough for most players.

But as the club returns to Champions League football, they will play plenty of games this season and you’d think that Richarlison will get plenty of opportunities. He’ll also provide Conte with superb depth to cover all three attacking positions.