‘Runs the risk’ – South American journalist thinks Richarlison has gambled with Spurs move

South American football expert Tim Vickery has claimed Richarlison ‘runs the risk’ of losing form at Tottenham if he is not able to gain regular game time.

Spurs sealed the capture of Brazil international Richarlison as their fourth signing of the summer in a deal worth up to £60 million from Everton (BBC Sport). 

Antonio Conte pushed for Spurs to complete a transfer for the forward, citing his tireless work rate and ability to play across the front line as major attractions behind the move (The Athletic). 

Richarlison’s arrival sees him join an already star-studded attack comprised of Premier League Golden Boot holder Heung-min Son, Harry Kane and Dejan Kulusevski, who made a big impression in the second half of last season. 

But according to Vickery, Richarlison has taken a gamble by moving to Spurs with a regular flow of minutes not a guarantee, which could put the 25-year-old at risk of ‘losing momentum’ with the World Cup approaching later this year. 

He told Sky Sports: “The way the Tottenham front three have been operating, then there is no guaranteed place in the starting line-up for him.

“I wouldn’t see him as a back-up for Harry Kane. He can’t do what Harry Kane does, drop deep and orchestrate the play. I would see him more as a competitor for Son because what he likes to do is Richarlison is cut in on the diagonal from the wide left.

“I suppose it’s a gamble that he has taken. Places in that Brazil starting line-up, even in that squad, it’s very, very competitive in the build-up to the World Cup and he’s guaranteed to be on the plane, at least.

“But he runs the risk, perhaps if he doesn’t get enough game time, of losing momentum at this vital moment in his career.”

Spurs Web Opinion 

Richarlison is definitely not a guaranteed starter at Tottenham but we don’t know for sure how Conte intends to deploy him from a tactical point of view. 

Minutes shouldn’t be a problem, though, as there will be an extra two substitutes available for managers and Conte will want to keep his best players fresh frequently. 

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