A senior Tottenham star did not play a single minute for his country during the international break, and he may be worried by his manager’s recent comments.
It was a mixed international break for the Tottenham players, with some Spurs stars such as Xavi Simons enjoying personal success and helping their sides qualify for the World Cup.
However, others had poor outings for their nations, none more so than Rodrigo Bentancur, who was sent off for a horror challenge in Uruguay’s 5-1 loss to the USA.
One senior Tottenham man, who has been starting games regularly for Thomas Frank this season, did not play a single game across the two matches in the international break.
Tottenham star Richarlison will be worried
Richarlison was an unused substitute in Brazil’s matches against Senegal and Tunisia, despite being one of only two players, alongside Bruno Guimaraes, to have featured in all six previous matches of the Italian’s tenure.
A report by UOL suggests that the Tottenham man’s lack of minutes may be proof that Ancelotti is looking for a ‘different’ kind of striker.
It is suggested that Richarlison’s poor form for Spurs and his struggles in front of goal for Selecao have weakened his claim to be a regular in the squad.
The 28-year-old may be particularly concerned by the comments that Ancelotti made before the clash against Tunisia, with the former Real Madrid boss suggesting that Brazil lack a real target man.
Ancelotti is quoted as saying: “We might need a reference as a striker in some games, in some moments. We have time to assess this and try to find one in the next six months.”
Richarlison has failed to grab his opportunity at Tottenham
Dominic Solanke’s and Randal Kolo Muani’s injury troubles so far this season offered Richarlison the perfect opportunity to prove his worth to Frank.
However, after a bright start to the season, the former Everton man’s form has completely tailed off, and he has done little to win over the new Spurs boss.
In fact, it has been reported over recent weeks that Tottenham are ready to cash in on Richarlison in January, and that development would not shock Spurs fans.