Pundit Noel Whelan has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur attacker Richarlison could be in line to play in a central striking role for his club following his exploits with Brazil at the World Cup.
The £60m summer signing from Everton has struggled since moving to North London, failing to score a single Premier League goal whilst also struggling with injury.
However, he has found more success on the international scene, scoring a brace in Brazil’s World Cup opening win over Serbia which included a spectacular bicycle kick, and this has led to questions about his role at Spurs.
“What his record for Brazil shows is that he can play as an out-and-out number nine,” Whelan told Football Insider.
“That’s for sure. We saw him play a lot out wide for Everton and now for Tottenham as well.
“There’s a case for him sharing the load that is on Harry Kane’s shoulders. Conte could even play them as a two in some games.
“He has shown for Brazil that he’s just as potent – if not more – when he’s playing centrally. It’s food for thought for Conte.”
TIF thoughts on Richarlison…
With Harry Kane starting every game this season, Richarlison has had to settle for a wide role and has even found himself behind Dejan Kulusevski and Heung-Min Son in the pecking order at times. Selected through the middle for his country, he has given Antonio Conte a headache about where he should be playing.
Kane needs more rotation as the season progresses, and Richarlison’s quality and versatility is why he was brought in during the summer. Not only can he play alongside Kane, but he can be a serviceable backup to the Englishman.
He hasn’t hit top form for the Lilywhites yet, but given more of a chance in the middle, he will surely start to find the back of the net with more regularity, which could provide a significant boost for his side’s top four hopes.