Sport
Richarlison is making himself central to Thomas Frank’s masterplan
The only way is up for Tottenham Hotspur this season. It better be otherwise the North London outfit will find themselves in the bottom three having finished 17th last term. Saturday’s 3-0 win over Burnley was a first step towards a positive 2024/25 campaign with Richarlison arguably the most eye-catching player on the pitch.
He certainly produced the eye-catching moment, scoring Spurs’ second goal in spectacular fashion. Richarlison’s first finish was a good one too, but the Brazilian’s second strike was so good it might well be a Goal of the Season candidate. There were also other things to like about his overall performance.
Richarlison was an effective focal point for Tottenham, getting on the end of several crosses into the box. He was a handful for the Burnley defenders, doing a lot to press from the front. The Brazilian even played a role in linking up play to get the likes of Mohamed Kudus and Brennan Johnson into good positions in the final third.
Thomas Frank is remoulding Tottenham in his own image and Richarlison is one of the players who has absorbed the Dane’s ideas quickly. Dominic Solanke is still working his way up to full fitness, but he might find it difficult to dislodge Richarlison from the lineup considering the start he has enjoyed in the first two games of the season.
“I’ve always liked Richarlison and I always thought he was a good player when he played for Everton,” said Frank when asked about Richarlison’s impact against Burnley and Paris Saint-Germain. “When he came to Tottenham he struggled with injuries so we’re aware we need to protect and build him. The first signs are good.”
Under Frank, Spurs have shown they can play in two different ways. Against PSG, they had to defend deep and against the ball for the majority of the match, playing on the break and pushing the Champions League winners all the way. Had it not been for Goncalo Ramos’ stoppage time equaliser, Tottenham would have lifted the Super Cup.
Against Burnley, it was up to Tottenham to take the game to their opponents. Scott Parker set up his promoted team to be defensively organised in the knowledge that Spurs frequently struggled to break down low defensive blocks last season. On Saturday, though, the North London outfit were varied in their approach.
Spurs were willing to go direct when playing forward and Richarlison was key to this ploy such is his ability to win aerial duels. Frank also set up his side to play in quick transition with Richarlison also more than capable of facilitating these attacks. He is making a case for himself as the perfect focal point for ‘Frank-ball.’
Kudus has also enjoyed a positive start to the season, giving Tottenham a different dimension with his dribbling ability on the wing. Johnson took his opportunity from the start against Burnley after playing no part against PSG in the Super Cup, finding the back of the net to cap the scoring at 3-0. He is one of several players Frank’s approach could embolden.
Recent reports claim Spurs are closing in on a deal to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace before the end of the summer transfer window. The England international would give Tottenham another option in the final third and would give opposition defenders another dribbling threat with Kudus already in the lineup.
Tottenham could come out of the summer window much stronger than they entered it, but Richarlison is someone who is using the opportunity of a fresh start to make a better first impression. He won’t be able to produce an acrobatic strike every week, but he could be Frank’s first-choice for the season.
