Richarlison’s thumping header won the game for Tottenham Hotspur against Aston Villa on Sunday, and the Brazilian is surely closing in on cult hero status.
The Lilywhites have been crying out for some moments of individual magic this season, and though they’ve been hard to come by, Richarlison has consistently produced.
Not every contribution from the striker has been flashy, but they have been effective, which is all that matters for Spurs right now.
There’s a high possibility that Roberto De Zerbi has Dominic Solanke as his first-choice striker, but Richarlison keeps on overperforming when nobody expects it.
Tottenham could stay in the Premier League after all, and they would have their former Watford star to thank.
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Would Richarlison go down as a Tottenham hero?
Richarlison was on top form against Aston Villa, as not only his forward abilities were on display, but his all-around work ethic was effective once more.
The former Everton man has never hit the heights that were once expected of him, but it’s hard to say that he’s ever been given the confidence from anyone at the club that he can lead the line; he’s just done it himself.
The 28-year-old made seven defensive contributions, while chipping in with a 73 per cent passing accuracy, sparking a couple of attacks for the Lilywhites.
Richarlison was unable to complete any of his three dribbles, which again, highlights how he isn’t at that elite level that some what say is needed to be a club hero.
The number nine played 89 minutes, had 27 touches of the ball, and won just three of his 10 ground duels, and couldn’t come out successful in any of his five aerial contests.
Even though some of these statistics show his flaws, it also proves that he doesn’t stop fighting for the badge.
Richarlison’s header was his 10th goal of the Premier League season, which has taken his tally up to 31 for Tottenham.
Regardless of what people think about his goal return, surely he will be considered highly if he helps Spurs stay up after this tragic season. Maybe he will be thought of as a cult hero.
Does Richarlison deserve a guaranteed important role next season?
The answer is yes, based on the assumption that Spurs will stay in the top-flight.
Richarlison has 14 goals and assists in the Premier League this season, and is the club’s leading scorer, and only one behind being the joint-top assister with Xavi Simons.
He’s only started 17 times, yet is into double figures for goals, and hits the back of the net 0.53 times per 90 minutes, essentially once every other game.
These stats prove that if Tottenham avoid relegation, De Zerbi must promise Richarlison an important role, not just someone who is there in the background if needed.
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