Martin Keown believes Everton summer signing Richarlison needs to prove his transfer fee by improving his end product with the Toffees.
The Match of the Day pundit agrees that the Brazilian’s big-money move from Watford has improved the squad but the 21-year-old has failed to score a league goal since November.
After the club paid £40 million for his services, there are concerns from the former Everton defender about whether he can live up to his heavy price tag and repay the Merseyside club with a string of top performances.
Keown said, as quoted by the Daily Star: “I do feel he’s a good player but he was a little bit of a nearly man last season.
“Things didn’t quite come off for him but he’s showed really good signs and I’m not surprised at all that one of the big clubs has come after him because he’s got great ability on that left hand side, good pace.
“If you look now at Everton with Theo Walcott on one wing and Richarlison on the other they look now to have that threat.
“For me it makes perfect sense. It’s expensive but the manager felt he needed him and the club have responded to that.
“I see that as a good signing. But he needs to score more goals, he didn’t score enough goals last year.”
OPINION
All signings have points to prove when joining clubs but after Everton have splashed the cash for Richarlison, becoming one of the club’s most expensive transfers in their history. It could either be a case of money well spent or a disaster move. The Brazilian only managed five goals and four assists last season but has joined a team that bestows greater than quality than Watford and therefore could be more effective with better team mates alongside him this campaign. He is a threat on the wing and should not be underestimated by any defender. It is easy to forget sometimes that the winger is only 21 years of age. Last season was a typical case of a youngster blowing hot and cold, making a lightning start to his Hornets career, but then dipping in form influenced by the exit of then-Watford boss Marco Silva. The pair will be reunited on Merseyside this season which could prove to be a factor that could be vital for Richarlison’s chances of fulfilling his potential.