Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed a dream start to the 2025/26 Premier League season, running riot over Burnley 3-0 in the opener before shutting down business at the Etihad this past Saturday with a commanding 2-0 victory over perennial Premier League title contenders Manchester City.
So many players have been central to Spurs resurgence under Thomas Frank, including new signing Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha, but one of the biggest individual difference-makers has been new starting striker Richarlison, who has taken Frank's trust and run with it.
Richarlison went from being a near sure-fire exit at the start of the transfer window to being the goal-scoring solution Tottenham were looking for up top, completely discarding their need for a new No. 9. After two brilliant goals in the opener against Burnley, the Brazilian international continued to push and press his way into Tottenham hearts with an assist, two fouls drawn, and three combined tackles and interceptions in a vintage well-rounded performance vs. Man City.
Now, Richarlison is reaping his just rewards, as he is finally back in the official Brazil national team squad under manager Carlo Ancelotti, who used to coach him at Everton and has always favored the 28-year-old forward.
Tottenham don't need any more bad luck
What makes this triumph even sweeter for Richarlison is who he beat out for a spot in this competitive group. Neymar, Rodrygo Goes, and Vinicius Junior are three of the biggest stars in the country, yet all were left off the list. Richarlison, therefore, made it over two other beloved ex-teammates of Ancelotti's.
It's deserved, but it also leads to some trepidation from Tottenham supporters. See, the biggest impediment to Richarlison living up to his billing as a 60 million pound signing from Everton and one of the Premier League's best forwards hasn't been quality but rather health. Richarlison simply wasn't available enough and thus could not get the momentum he needed to shine.
Playing in the World Cup qualifiers is huge for Brazil and Richarlison, but it's a liability and a risk to Tottenham, even as Richarlison's achievements for the Selecao will raise the profile and value of Spurs as a club, even if just tacitly. But that's not worth the cost of losing, right now, their best scorer in what will be a slog of a season between the Premier League and Champions League.
So big ups to Richarlison for getting back into the Brazil squad, but, please, Don Carlo, take it easy with the guy.