Thomas Frank was helped to a first Premier League win as Tottenham Hotspur boss by Richarlison.
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Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood has warned the club that they will have to take the ‘rough with the smooth’ when it comes to striker Richarlison this season, following his heroics against Burnley.
The Brazilian has been linked with an exit from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at points this summer, with former club Everton said to be sniffing around at one point. It had looked as if Dominic Solanke would be the first choice target man under Thomas Frank.
However, Richarlison was given the starting berth against Burnley on the opening weekend of the Premier League season as Solanke works his way back to full fitness. The 28-year-old did not disappoint and put in a head-turning performance.
Richarlison bags brace but labelled ‘scruffy’
Richarlison netted in the 10th minute and the 60th minute of the 3-0 win, the second goal a stunning volley which has been touted as a goal of the season contender. The player only manager four league goals last season and is already halfway to bettering that tally.
Sherwood was on punditry duties on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday and heaped praise on Richarlison, but warned that the player would blow hot and cold this season. When asked if the Spurs performance warranted the one-sided score, he said: “I would have to say, yes. They huffed and puffed a little bit Burnley but they’ve not had any clear cut chances. They don’t look clinical enough and don’t look like they have the quality in the final third.
“Tottenham have been clinical with their chances. You’ll never find a scruffier player than Richarlison and I mean that in the nicest way. He does some spectacular things but the next time he’s got an easy ball up to him and he lets the defender come through in. You take the rough with the smooth with Richarlison, he’s been so effective today. He’s come off the field now, Tottenham were in cruise control.”
Tottenham striker links up with summer signing
Frank’s side bounced back from UEFA Super Cup defeat against Paris Saint-Germain with the win and are next in action against Manchester City next weekend before welcoming AFC Bournemouth at home at the end of the month.
Richarlison was also praised by former Premier League goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer on the BBC with the former player noting the combination between the striker and new signing Mohammed Kudus.
He said: “It was comfortable in the end for Tottenham. There were moments where they weren't sharp enough and didn't have enough energy. The half-time talk did the job from Thomas Frank because they were a different side in the second half. They deservedly furthered their lead, the third was a brilliant team move. Richarlison's combinations with Kudus were the highlights of today. It's a good start to a new campaign under a new manager.”
In other news, Tottenham starting XI with Eberechi Eze as Crystal Palace 'braced' for bid.