Richarlison has been a bit of a revelation this season for Tottenham Hotspur, with the striker impressing in Thomas Frank’s first three matches.
The striker has managed two goals and one assist in Spurs’ first two Premier League games and is quickly becoming Thomas Frank’s first-choice number nine.
TBR Football first revealed that Frank really likes Richarlison as a striker and he is quickly becoming a key part of his plans in North London.
But now, legendary Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe has had his say on the Brazilian following his display at the Etihad Stadium.
Jermain Defoe impressed by Richarlison’s intensity
Defoe has been impressed by Richarlison’s intensity and hailed his ability to press from the front as ‘unbelievable’.
Speaking about the striker’s performance against City, Defoe told NBC Sports: “I just felt like Richarlison’s energy levels, it’s unbelievable.
“He did not stop running, and we know how hard it is, you know, when you’re pressing with that sort of intensity, I don’t care how good you are as a player, it’s so difficult to play around.”
Frank has switched up Spurs’ defensive set-up, with the Dane instructing his team to adopt a man-to-man approach against City.
Richarlison, who Theo Walcott has also praised, played a pivotal role in Spurs’ second goal at the Etihad Stadium as his press forced James Trafford into rushing his pass into Nico Gonzalez, who Pape Matar Sarr then stole the ball from.
The Lilywhites’ impressive pressing ability has been very effective so far and has been led from the front by the 28-year-old.
The Brazilian international has always been a player who works hard for the team and that is quickly making him a key member of Frank’s side.
Frank has already shut down talk of a potential exit of Richarlison and claimed that the Brazilian is now his “starting number nine”.
Richarlison has been linked with Newcastle in their hunt for a striker, but that now looks unlikely given how Frank views him.
“Right now, he is my starting nine, he scored two fantastic goals, he had two fantastic games – he’s Brazil’s number nine.
“He’s a very good player, so I’m very happy with him. Richy wants to stay, I want to keep him, there’s been no talk about anything else. He’s done well for us.