Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte could have a selection headache on his hands amid Richarlison’s fine international form – with Gary Lineker suggesting the Brazilian is playing his way into the starting XI.
The Spurs forward has had a sensational World Cup so far for Brazil having netted three goals in the competition, with the latest coming on Monday night in the last 16.
Tite restored his strongest XI for the round-of-16 clash against South Korea, and it was a task which proved to be a step too far for Son Heung-min’s side, with the Brazilians cruising through to the quarter-finals.
And once again, Richarlison found himself netting a stunning goal, which has been tipped to rival his bicycle kick from earlier in the tournament for the goal of the tournament.
With the 25-year-old, who earns £90k per week, showing such fine form for the Brazilian national side, Lineker has suggested he has to be putting in a claim for a spot in Conte’s XI.
The BBC presenter tweeted on Monday: “Surely Richarlison has played himself into the Tottenham team.”
TIF Thoughts on Lineker’s comments…
We completely understand where Lineker is coming from, as Richarlison’s form for Brazil is simply breathtaking when you consider he has now scored 10 goals in his last nine appearances (via Transfermarkt).
Should Richarlison be a regular starter at Spurs?
Yes
No
However, for Spurs, the Brazilian has somewhat struggled in front of goal so far this season, as his search for a first league goal in Tottenham colours goes on.
For Brazil, Richarlison, who Lineker previously described as scoring a ‘stunning‘ goal earlier on in the World Cup, has played as the sole centre-forward, which has seen him become a real outlet for Tite’s side and clearly provided him with opportunities in front of goal.
Whereas, in north London, Conte has deployed Richarlison – who has made just five league starts – out on the wing with Harry Kane playing as the centre-forward, and it is hard to imagine Spurs dropping Richarlison for Kane despite the Brazilian’s form.
Perhaps this may provide Conte with more confidence to rotate Kane in order to keep the England captain at optimal fitness, but we feel like it would take a formation change to see Richarlison become a regular at centre-forward for Spurs.