Tottenham Hotspur had a tricky evening in Bodo as they were held to a 2-2 draw, and Glenn Hoddle has highlighted one player whose form he is worried about.
Thomas Frank’s team came from two goals down to rescue a point against Bodo/Glimt, following a truly shocking display in Norway.
Tottenham Hotspur looked very uncomfortable playing away in the Arctic Circle on an artificial surface and can count themselves very lucky not to have been beaten.
Ahead of the game, Glenn Hoddle raised concerns over the form of one player, and against Bodo, those worries proved to be true.
Glenn Hoddle raises big question marks over Richarlison at Tottenham
Hoddle believes that Richarlison cannot be trusted as Tottenham’s number nine for the whole season, with the striker struggling against Bodo.
The Brazilian managed just ten touches against the Norwegian side, which will have been a real concern for Frank and his staff.
The Tottenham legend says he started the season ‘like a house on fire’, but with nobody pushing him for a place in the team, his performances have since dipped.
Currently, Dominic Solanke is out with an ankle injury after undergoing minor surgery, and Randal Kolo Muani is still recovering from a dead leg.
Hoddle told TNT Sports: “I think he’s a classic example of a number nine that needs another striker up there. Not necessarily to play with, but I think he needs that edge where he comes out of the team, maybe, he’s on the bench and still has an impact from the bench. Then you play him for another two or three games.
“I’m not sure he’s a player who can put your hat on the whole season, where he’s going to return you a load of goals.
“He started the season like a house on fire; he scored the two goals, this is stunning (his second goal), and this will have given him all the confidence in the world.
“But I don’t think you can really say he’s my number nine for the whole season. Solanke getting injured, he would have played tonight.”
Back in August, TBR Football revealed that Frank is a big fan of Richarlison, but right now, the Dane will be worried about his form.
After the game, Tottenham fans called for Richarlison to be dropped, and Spurs’ manager will need to consider making a change ahead of the Leeds United away game.
Tottenham have a bigger issue under Thomas Frank than Richarlison
In fairness to Richarlison, against Bodo, he was starved of service, with the Lilywhites carving out very few chances for the number nine. Spurs created an xG of just 1.46, and this has been a big worry for Frank’s team.
The Danish head coach has continued to play three central midfielders, focusing on staying compact, rather than playing a natural number ten in the most advanced midfield role.