Craig Burley has said that despite Richarlison’s brace against Serbia, there is no doubt in his mind that Gabriel Jesus is a superior striker to the Tottenham man.
Burley was one of many people who were up in arms when Tite handed Richarlison the nod to start over the Tottenham man in the Selcao’s World Cup opener.
The former Chelsea man tweeted the following just ahead of kick-off last Thursday:
Richarlison well and truly silenced his critics by proving the difference on the night from Brazil, scoring both of their goals in the 2-0 win.
The Spurs star’s second goal hit the headlines around the world for its audaciousness, with the 25-year-old’s overhead kick nestling into the far corner.
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However, Burley doubled down on his comments after the game, insisting that despite Richarlison’s heroics, he would still take Jesus over the former Everton man if he had to pick between the two players.
The pundit insisted that the reason Tite prefers the Spurs star over the Arsenal man is because of the former’s physicality.
When asked about his pre-match tweet, Burley told ESPN FC: “That point stands. You are missing the point.
“If I had a football team and you offered me two players. Richarlison and Jesus. I am taking Jesus every day. I understand that the Brazilian coach sees it differently because of Richarlison’s physicality.”
When asked if Richarlison deserves to start against Switzerland, the 51-year-old responded: “Well, that’s a stupid question. He just scored two goals.
“My point is, Jesus is at Arsenal. I wouldn’t want Richarlison at Arsenal. I would prefer Jesus, as a player, over Richarlison. But the Brazilian coach prefers this guy.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Both Richarlison and Jesus are brilliant players and it is certainly not ridiculous of Burley to suggest that he prefers the latter. However, the Spurs star has been in outstanding form for Brazil over the last 12 months and there is no doubt that he deserves to lead the line for his country in the World Cup.
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