What Thomas Frank told Richarlison behind the scenes has seen Tottenham form explode
Richarlison has enjoyed an extremely bright start to the new campaign at Tottenham.
The Brazilian has started both of the Lilywhites’ competitive outings so far, with fellow frontman Dominic Solanke continuing his recovery from an injury he sustained in pre-season.
Richarlison’s brace powered Tottenham to an opening day win over Burnley, and confidence appeared to be flowing through the 28-year-old, as his second strike was a stunning scissor kick.
Thomas Frank appears to be getting the best out of the former Everton man already, and it appears to have come as a reward for his efforts behind the scenes.
This article includes exclusive comment from former Tottenham scout Bryan King.
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Thomas Frank’s message unlocks Richarlison
Richarlison has been like a different player for Tottenham so far this season, having turned in a similarly menacing performance in the UEFA Super Cup defeat to PSG.
He may not have found the back of the net in Spurs’ eventual defeat to the reigning European champions, but he was a constant thorn in their side and worked tirelessly until he was replaced.
The striker’s promising start has prompted hope that he could become an influential figure for the N17 outift this term.
Ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that Frank will have spoken to Richarlison behind the scenes, and feels that will have been key to help him get the best out of him.
“At the moment, he’s started because Solanke’s not been 100% fit,” King said.
“But he’s come in and performed. His second goal (against Burnley), if you see a better goal in the Premier League for the rest of the season, then it will be some goal.
“That goal was Brazilian. It’s what you’ve been expecting from him, but we haven’t seen it often in three years.
“Whatever Frank has said to him, it appears to have been the right kind of medicine.”
Richarlison has forced his way into Tottenham reckoning
Frank’s arrival at Tottenham was always likely to bring a shakeup within the squad, as the new boss took time to assess the options already at his disposal.
The appointment of a new manager is a situation that always creates both winners and losers, and Richarlison certainly looks to fallen into the category of the former.
He hasn’t shown anywhere near enough in the three years since his move to North London, but it is easy to forget that he consistently found the back of the net for Everton in the past.
Even in his limited amount of gametime last season, the Brazilian’s performances were statistically stronger than Solanke’s, and the former Bournemouth man will struggle to regain his place if his teammate sustains his current form.
If Richarlison can maintain this promising start, then it would be no surprise to see him remain as Frank’s go-to option to lead the line.