This time last season, Richarlison was getting battered from pillar to post as Tottenham’s club-record transfer was struggling.
Even though the 26-year-old, who signed from Everton, was brought in by Antonio Conte, towards the end, the duo didn’t really see eye to eye.
That didn’t help matters as Richarlison only scored one Premier League goal in Tottenham colours, but it’s a different matter altogether now.
Tim Sherwood spoke about how Ange Postecoglou has given Richarlison ‘confidence’ and Harry Kane leaving has also allowed him to play more of a focal point.
The former Tottenham boss stated that the Brazil international is an ‘absolute nuisance’ and he is someone who ‘all fans hate’ if he isn’t on your team, as he told Premier League Productions (14/01/25 at 1:35 pm).
After scoring during Spurs’ 2-2 draw against Manchester United on Sunday, that’s six goals in Richarlison’s last six matches.
That’s a big turnaround from a player who just couldn’t seem to hit the target 12 months ago.
Richarlison’s change in form
“Confidence is everything for a player,” said Sherwood about Richarlison’s turnaround. “If the manager gives you confidence as well.
“There is no Harry Kane now, so he almost sees himself as one up there with Son. Yes, that’s important in a player’s mind, especially in his mind. It looked like he had problems off the pitch and he has now cleared that up. He’s really fresh in his mind now. It looks like he is enjoying playing, like all of them Tottenham players.
“Plays down the middle, which he loves as well. He is an absolute nuisance, isn’t he?! He is one of them who all fans hate if he’s not in your team.
“But the Tottenham fans, if you ask them. They love this guy now. He can win you over. He had a struggle at the start. They stuck with him. They knew he was trying as hard as he could, but now he is playing with that freedom and smile on his face and they are reaping the rewards from it now.”
Ange Postecoglou’s style of play
One of the big reasons why Richarlison is performing at the top of his game is because of what is being asked of him by his manager.
In comparison to last season, the team isn’t sitting in their shape. It has flipped on its head.
There are more bodies in the final third, you have fullbacks playing as number tens and it is demanded that the forward players push up as high as possible.
Plus, there is more creativity and confidence around him, so you would fully expect this form to continue and for Richarlison to hit double figures this season.
The post ‘Absolute nuisance’: Tim Sherwood says Tottenham have a player who ‘all fans hate’ appeared first on HITC.
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