Tottenham number 9, Richarlison, has been a revelation since his return to action following his groin surgery in December.
The Brazilian center-forward has been in top form, netting nine goals in his last nine Premier League appearances, taking his tally to 10 for the season.
Richarlison’s resurgence is nothing short of astounding, particularly considering his struggles last season, where he managed just one goal in 27 outings. His recent prolific run has silenced critics who once doubted his ability to justify his hefty £60 million price tag.
While the 26-year-old recently admitted that undergoing therapy has been immensely helpful for him, it’s also cited as one of the factors behind his improved performance on the field.
According to insights from the Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke, a key factor behind the striker’s rejuvenation is his desire to play as a target man. Last season, under former head coach Antonio Conte, Richarlison often operated as a winger due to the presence of Harry Kane.
Speaking on The View From The Lane podcast, journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke suggested that the change in position has significantly boosted the forward’s confidence, who is looking more like himself.
He said:
“The confidence element is connected to the football element because he’s always wanted to play as a number nine. Even when Harry Kane was at the club, he would get p—– off that he was not playing as a centre forward.
“Now you might say that you shouldn’t have gone to Tottenham in the first place if you wanted to play centre forward and you knew that they already had Harry Kane.
“But he did. And he wasn’t particularly enjoying being out wide or on the bench, because you wouldn’t really if you wanted to play as a striker.”
The numbers speak for themselves, and playing in his preferred role under Ange Postecoglou, Richarlison is fulfilling his potential, currently enjoying a hot streak of goals.
Spurs may have lost their all-time leading goalscorer, Harry Kane, but the departure could be a blessing in disguise given the exceptional form Richarlison has displayed as a striker.
