Garth Crooks has admitted that Richarlison is proving him wrong with his recent performances, praising the striker for the way he has stepped up since Son Heung-min’s departure to the Asian Cup.
Until a couple of months ago, Richarlison was broadly written off as an expensive flop, not just by many pundits but also by a section of Tottenham fans.
In fact, Gabby Agbonlahor even told talkSPORT last month that the 26-year-old would be playing in League Two if he was not Brazilian.
However, Richarlison has well and truly shut his critics up over recent weeks, with his brace against Everton taking his tally to nine goals in his last eight league games (90 min).
Both of his goals on Saturday were of supreme quality, with the forward showing his poacher’s instinct by sweeping the ball home after being picked out by Destiny Udogie before curling an effort into the top corner from the edge of the box for his second.
Richarlison makes Garth Crooks’ Team of the Week
Richarlison was the only Tottenham man to make it into Crooks’ Team of the Week, with the former Spurs forward writing about the striker in his BBC Sport column: “Tottenham and Everton fans will know that Richarlison is not one of my favourite players.
“In the past, he has been petulant, complaining and dramatic, bordering on infantile, but since the departure of Son Heung-min to the Asian Cup the Brazilian has shown a side to himself I didn’t think he possessed.
“His goal, not to mention his performance in the 3-2 win against Brentford, was outstanding while his conduct having scored two goals in the 2-2 draw at Everton four days later was as respectful as I have seen from any footballer towards a former club.
“Not only did Richarlison recognise the significance of the goals, but the devastating effect it may have on Everton’s future. To put his hands together and bow in an apologetic gesture to the Gwladys Street End was about as respectful as it gets.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Richarlison is the very definition of a confidence player, with the striker looking completely different now that he has his tail up. The Brazil international is repaying the faith Postecoglou has shown in him and the Spurs head coach will be hoping that he can carry on his current form until the end of the season.