Michael Ball wants Everton’s Richarlison to be stronger

Add as preferred source on Google

Former Everton defender Michael Ball has called on Richarlison to start being stronger for the Toffees.

The Brazilian is one of a few players called out by the 40-year-old in his latest Liverpool Echo column, which strikes a particularly frustrated tone with the club having slipped into the relegation zone.

Everton were beaten 1-0 by Burnley at the weekend, meaning they have now lost their last four Premier League games.

Fans are starting to get extremely frustrated with what they’re seeing out on the pitch, and Marco Silva needs a turnaround and fast.

Attacker Richarlison is one man who needs to step up, having found the net just twice in the league so far this term.

In the eyes of Ball, the 22-year-old needs to toughen up a bit.

He wrote: “For me, Richarlison needs to start being a bit stronger. We know that he’s got the talent and he does need protecting by referees but he’s rolling around every two minutes – it’s not the Everton way – and it seems to slow down our build-up.

“He’s not doing it in the area to win us penalties – it’s happening out wide.”

TBR’s view

Richarlison is a top player who Everton fans just want to see scoring goals.

If he does not cut out such antics then he runs the risk of getting the fans on his back, which would be a big shame given his talent.

Physically, Richarlison already has an advantage over most Premier League players, so his antics are not going to wash with a tired Toffees faithful.