Rejuvenated Brazilian leaves Thomas Frank with a welcome selection decision if he can stay fit
Richarlison scored twice - including a stunning scissor kick - to help Spurs to a 3-0 win over Burnley on Saturday
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Matt Verri
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There was no shortage of theories over which Tottenham players would benefit most from Thomas Frank's arrival this summer.
Archie Gray and Brennan Johnson were obvious candidates - Frank tried to sign both when in charge at Brentford. Pedro Porro was another, having been described by Frank last season as having “Trent-ish offensive qualities”.
Few, though, placed Richarlison on that list.
The 28-year-old made just four Premier League starts last term and scored five goals in all competitions.
He was the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia last summer and talk of an exit continued into this summer, with Brazilian side Palmeiras among the clubs linked.
Watching Richarlison stroll off to a standing ovation on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, that felt a world away.
Thomas Frank joked Richarlison has already scored the goal of the season with his spectacular effort against Burnley
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It is now hard to see how, should he stay fit, Frank can take him out of the side.
The forward did not look entirely thrilled to miss out on the opportunity to seal a hat-trick but his job had been done, a brace sending Spurs on their way to a comfortable 3-0 win over Burnley. Frank joked that the second of the those, a stunning scissor kick, had already secured the goal of the season award.
It felt positive enough that Richarlison was even in the starting line-up three days on from leading the line in the UEFA Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain.
His time at Spurs has been regularly hampered by injuries and Thomas Frank made it clear after the match that is still at the front of his mind.
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“I always thought he was good when he played for Everton and when he came to Tottenham we know he struggled with some injuries,” Frank said on Saturday.
“He was unlucky also so we are very aware that we need to build him and protect him because we can’t say we just played two games back-to-back, he did well both and we are out of the woods.
“That we need to prove over a little bit longer time but the first signs are good.”
The challenge for Spurs is keeping Richarlison fit
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Spurs have been cautious with Richarlison's fitness this summer, leaving him out of the opening pre-season friendly against Reading to instead build his levels in training.
If Spurs can keep him available, the Brazilian could be an ideal fit for the new manager.
In games where Frank sets Spurs up to sit in a shape and pick their moments on the counter, Richarlison plays that lonely forward role well.
Against PSG, he was superb in holding the ball up and linking with Mohammed Kudus and the midfield. In the second half as the pressure built on Spurs, Richarlison eased that on more than one occasion by drawing a cheap foul.
That work-rate and all-round play was on display again in the Burnley match but there was end product to match it. Richarlison swept home a confident first-time finish inside the opening ten minutes and then doubled his tally after the break in spectacular fashion.
He could have had more too, with Martin Dubravka producing a brilliant save to turn an effort from the Brazilian behind.
Spurs will continue to manage Richarlison's fitness but there will be plenty of opportunities for him this season. With Dominic Solanke having injury problems of his own, there is no guarantee the England forward will immediately take back the starting spot.
Solanke had an injury-disrupted pre-season and started on the bench against Burnley
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Even when Solanke does return to full fitness and potentially the starting line-up, having Richarlison as an option to rotate will be to the benefit of both players.
It is a welcome selection headache for Frank.
Squad depth has too often been an issue for Spurs in recent seasons and having two top strikers fit and in form would majorly boost Frank's ambition of getting his side to compete on multiple fronts.
After three years that have largely been a struggle, Richarlison has been a perfect start to a new era at Spurs.
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