Jamie Redknapp has insisted that Richarlison is the answer to Everton’s centre-forward problem and that the club do not need to spend mega money on a new man in January.
The high profile pundit claimed in his weekly Daily Mail column that Toffees fans are crying out for manager Marco Silva to recruit a new front man in the winter window that opens in two months.
But Redknapp urged owner Farhad Moshiri to keep his hands in his pockets as he is convinced Richarlison has all the qualities to thrive as the spearhead of the attack.
“Everton fans I know are desperate for Marco Silva to sign a striker in January, but they have a ready-made centre forward in Richarlison,” Redknapp told the Mail. “He is strong in the air and has a good blend of pace and physicality.
“Think of Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry. They started as wide men before moving into the middle. Richarlison has all the attributes to do the same.”
OPINION
Comparing Richarlison to Ronaldo and Henry, two of the greatest players of the last 30 years and possibly the two finest to ever grace the Premier League, is a huge and extraordinary claim from Redknapp. Is the former midfielder getting carried away? Or, is he simply delivering a far-sighted appraisal of a massive talent with the potential to tear defences to shreds? Certainly, Richarlison is exciting, blisteringly quick and with the physical attributes to lead the attack. He can play with his back to goal, although he is no Romelu Lukaku in that regard. What makes Richarlison special is when he runs at defences and has the ball at his feet. He has the speed and tricks to cause mayhem. The Brazilian can finish, too, with Saturday’s double against Brighton lifting his haul for the season to six league goals from 10 matches. To be mentioned in the same breath as Henry and Ronaldo, he must deliver in winter and not just the milder climate of autumn.