Tim Cahill was keen to praise Everton’s Richarlison following the Brazilian’s performance in the 2-0 win against Burnley on Monday.
The win against Burnley at Goodison Park was enough for Everton to remain the hunt for a 7th placed finish, which would secure Europa League qualification if Manchester City beat Watford in the FA Cup final.
Richarlison was lively throughout his involvement in the game against Burnley, before being taken off with an injury early in the second half, and his presence was instrumental in the games opening goal, with the Brazil international hitting a long-range effort which was deflected in off Burnley’s Ben Mee, with the unlucky Burnley defender being credited with the own goal.
Speaking to Sky Sports Main Event at half time (8:53pm) Cahill praised Richarlison’s impact on the game saying, “He’s looked up for the game right from the off, he’s put himself about and looked like he really wants it tonight against a strong defence.”
The former Australia international added: “He’s got his rewards being involved with the goal there and I think he’s enjoying the way the games going.”
OPINION
Tim Cahill knows all about what it takes to perfrom for Everton under the pressures of the Goodison Park faithful, having been an excellent performer in his many seasons at the club. The Australian was right to single out the performance of Richarlison against Burnley, with the Brazilian a key threat for Everton, especially in the first half when Marco Silva’s side made a lightening start to the match. Although he has not been creditied with the opener he was instrumental in it, with fine long-range strike coming off Burnley defender Ben Mee and finding a way past Tom Heaton in the Burnley goal. However, it was not just his involvement in the goal that was impressive, it was also his willingness to put himself about against Burnley’s physical defenders and look to cause problems with his mobility and pace. However, Richarlison was forced off the field, with a slight knock, inside the opening minutes of the second half but Everton will be hopeful the injury is not anything too serious. Silva will hope to have the Brazilian fit again for Everton’s last game of the season where they will aim to end the season on a positive note.