Pundit talks Everton man with ‘natural aggression’ set to be ‘central to Ancelotti’s long-term plans’

Add as preferred source on Google

Everton forward Richarlison has been praised by Premier League pundit Adrian Clarke, who believes the Toffees ace is going to be central to Carlo Ancelotti’s long-term plans at Goodison Park.

Richarlison became Marco Silva’s first signing at Everton when joining from Watford in a reported £40million deal (Liverpool Echo) towards the end of July 2018, reuniting the two after their prior stint working together down south.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a fruitful debut season at Goodison Park, scoring 13 Premier League goals (Transfermarkt) and breaking into the Brazil senior team, including scoring a late penalty in last summer’s Copa America final to help the Selecao win the tournament for the first time in 12 years.

Though Everton have endured a tougher season this time round, which resulted in Silva’s dismissal at the end of 2019, Richarlison has continued to shine for the Toffees, registering 10 goals and three assists in 27 Premier League appearances this term (Transfermarkt).

“While Richarlison boasts great aerial prowess, he is just as threatening with the ball at his feet,” Clarke wrote on the Premier League website. “Ancelotti has inherited a high-class forward who can be effective in various shapes and game plans.

“He is dangerous out wide, when making runs in behind centre-backs and when he drops into pockets of space between the lines.

“While Richarlison likes to mix up his play, he is receiving more passes in those half-spaces under Ancelotti, who wants his side to keep the ball down and pass through the thirds. From those positions, the Brazilian can turn and run with the ball. He has attempted 44 more dribbles than anyone else in the squad this season.

“Richarlison is also a team player who does his bit out of possession. He has won the second-highest number of tackles this season, with 38, five behind Sidibe. That natural aggression can have a galvanising effect on his teammates.

“Richarlison really is Everton’s main man and when football returns he is sure to be central to Ancelotti’s long-term plans.”

TBR View:

Richarlison has come a long way since first arriving in the Premier League in 2017 with Watford, even though he impressed from the off and made an immediate impact with the Hornets.

Since then, the 22-year-old has become an essential player for Everton, with 26 goals and six assists from 70 appearances, as well as becoming a regular for Brazil and helping them win the Copa America.

With Ancelotti now at the Everton helm, Richarlison will now be working under one of the most esteemed and decorated managers in football, and along with his skills and talents, his attitude is also top notch – all music to the ears of the Toffees faithful.