Journalist Adam Jones, who covers Everton for The Liverpool Echo, has dismissed the notion of Richarlison having attitude problems, insisting that the forward always gave his all for the Toffees during his four years at the club.
Richarlison became Tottenham’s second most expensive signing of all time behind Tanguy Ndombele, with the North London paying up to £60m including add-ons to snap up the forward (ESPN).
The Brazilian’s addition gives Antonio Conte plenty of options to choose from in the forward areas, which could especially come in handy next season, with teams being allowed five substitutions in the Premier League.
When asked what Tottenham fans can expect from the 25-year-old, Jones told Football.London: “Firstly, someone who will give absolutely 100% for the club every single time he takes to the pitch.
“Even in a struggling Everton side, he was the one who would regularly provide the quality that nobody else could – providing a goal or a moment of magic from absolutely nothing.
“A particularly pertinent example of that came at the end of last season. When Everton needed him most he promised that he would not allow his side to get relegated, and he stood up to score six goals in his last nine matches of the campaign including a crucial winner against Chelsea.
“He leaves Goodison Park with the love of the majority of Evertonians for exactly this fact. He embodied everything that Blues players should be, but so often haven’t over recent years.”
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Jones dismissed the idea of Richarlison having attitude problems, insisting that the forward has always been extremely committed and professional both on and off the pitch.
When asked if there were any issues with the striker’s attitude during his time at Goodison Park, he said: “Absolutely not. That needs to be made very clear.
“He’s never shied away from his task at hand during his time at Everton, he’s never disrespected the club or the fans in any way.
“On and off the pitch he’s been a shining example of someone fans can really look up to as being selfless, hard-working and dedicated to his role. Those are very important qualities these days.”
Jones also backed Richarlison to battle his way into Tottenham’s starting eleven just like he has done in the Brazilian set-up.
When asked how the former Watford man will react to having so much competition for places at Spurs, the journalist responded: “Well, I think the best way to address that is to look towards his performances for Brazil.
“There’s long been competition for those starting places at a national level, but that never seems to get in the way of Richarlison.
“He’s been a regular for some time on the international stage and has consistently provided a solid amount of goals for a strong side.
“He’s the kind of player who will relish the competition not just in terms of the team, but on an individual basis within the squad too. He’s a very competitive player.”
According to Jones, Richralison will have no issues adapting to the physical demands of Antonio Conte and his coaching staff.
When asked how Tottenham’s latest signing will cope with the Italian’s demands, he responded: “Arguably that’s one of his strongest aspects.
“One of the big issues that Evertonians have highlighted in an early pursuit to replace Richarlison is how they will fill the energy that he brings and the strong defensive aspects he provides at the top end of the pitch.
“He’s someone who can sprint for 90 minutes if he needs to, but also someone disciplined enough to excel in a number of roles.
“Last season he was used on the flank, leading the line by himself or as a second striker alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin – and was comfortable in all of them.
“Wherever a manager wants to play him, Richarlison will no doubt stand up to the task. He must be a dream in training in that sense.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Even before reading Jones’ take, I felt that Conte would love working with Richarlison, given the Brazilian’s work rate, tenacity and fight. My belief has only been strengthened further based on what has been said in the interview. Richarlison seems like one of those players who would be hated by rival fans but absolutely loved by the Tottenham faithful.
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