‘Rewards’ – Ange Postecoglou praises Richarlison after comeback heroics

Richarlison found the perfect way to bounce back from a difficult week with a match-winning performance against Sheffield United this afternoon. Speaking after the game, his manager was full of praise for the Brazilian attacker.

Things haven’t always gone Richarlison‘s way since joining Tottenham last summer. He ended the 2022/23 campaign with just three goals to his name, and only one of those came in the Premier League (Transfermarkt).

Since the departure of Harry Kane this summer, Richarlison has had to step up and the lead the line for Spurs. The 26-year-old started the first three league games of this season under Ange Postecoglou but failed to score.

He then bagged his first of the campaign in the Carabao Cup against Fulham, but was replaced by Heung-min Son for the win over Burnley. The Spurs captain struck a hattrick in that game, and was given the nod to start against Sheffield United today.

Richarlison came off the bench in the 80th minute with his side trailing 1-0, and was integral to the turnaround for Spurs. The forward scored in the 98th minute to level the scores, before assisting Dejan Kulusevski two minutes later to ensure Tottenham took all three points from the game.

Richarlison is working hard and getting his rewards

The star performance today comes on the back of Richarlison admitting he is struggling with personal issues and is seeking ‘psychological help’ (Globo Esporte).

Speaking about his player’s impact today, Postecoglou told Football.London: “Richy was great… I think it’s the point I was trying to make yesterday – for him to understand that you try and maintain a balance in life. And his football hasn’t been that bad, he’s still been contributing for us.

“Sometimes when you struggle with certain parts of your life you let it go into other areas. But the football is one area he can control, and he works hard everyday in training and really got his rewards today. Hopefully that gives him a bit more of a settled feel to deal with the other areas in his life. For everyone, it’s about not letting it overwhelm you. And hopefully a day like today helps him.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I’m buzzing for Richarlison to get the goal and the assist today, and hopefully, that can really help him get some momentum and put all his difficulties behind him. He is such a good player and a very valuable member of the squad, who works incredibly hard every game, and proved how dangerous he can be today.