Richarlison’s cameo against Liverpool shows he has been operating in the wrong position for Everton

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Everton manager Marco Silva made a bold call against Liverpool and decided to bench Richarlison for the Merseyside derby.

Instead, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Theo Walcott and Bernard operated as the attacking trio for the hosts.

But Silva brought Richarlison on just before the hour mark as he replaced Walcott on the right wing.

And the Brazil international’s cameo out wide was proof that he is better as a winger than as a centre-forward.

Richarlison has mainly been used as a central striker this season because Everton lack a natural number 9 who can score goals.

The ex-Watford forward has done a reasonable job out of position, scoring 11 times in 30 games for the Toffees.

But he caused Liverpool’s usually reliable left-back Andrew Robertson plenty of problems when he came off the bench on Sunday.

And that performance should convince Silva to use Richarlison in a wide position more often.

Although he did not manage to get Everton a goal, Richarlison took more touches (27) in 30 minutes than Walcott managed (20) in 60 minutes, as per Who Scored.

The 21-year-old troubled Robertson enough to force the Scotland international to cynically foul him and pick up a yellow card.

After Walcott struggled again, it could be time for Silva to turn to Richarlison as a starting winger for next weekend’s trip to Newcastle United.