When it became unambiguous that Tottenham Hotspur would indeed be fighting for their very Premier League existence, the attention slowly began to turn to Richarlison as a potential solution. Though Richy has been below average this season, once again, he is the team's leading scorer and main threat to finish chances despite his lack of all around quality or consistency, and, most importantly, he is the sort of character who will not give up fighting in a relegation battle.
After all, what made Tottenham spend big to sign Richarlison in the first place was the reputation he earned as a player and a leader for Everton in their darkest hour of need, willing them to safety in the relegation fight.
Richarlison assisted the winning goal against Wolves in the 1-0 win last weekend to secure a vital three points, and he also had the crucial game saving goal against long time rival Liverpool last month to nab another important point in the Premier League relegation fight.
Richarlison is a walking dilemma
But even in that win over Wolves, Richarlison lost the ball unforced six times for Tottenham Hotspur, highlighting the sloppiness and lack of quality beyond the decisive moments that has plagued his overall 2025/26 season.
Roberto De Zerbi has so many issues to work out in the attack, compounded by mounting injuries, of which Xavi Simons and Dominic Solanke are now the latest casualties for Spurs. And one of those issues is how to get the most out of Richarlison in this relegation fight.
There is no question that Richy is important to Spurs. Even at his worst, he still, against some odds, produces for the team. The goal against Liverpool and the assist against Wolves cannot be taken away from him, warts and all.
But that's the dilemma with Richarlison. Everyone knows what he is in theory and nobody can ever fault effort with him, which is more than can be said for the likes of Dominic Solanke, and, especially, Randal Kolo Muani. The thing is, where is the quality? And how do Spurs come to rely on a player who can run so hot and cold?
The reality is De Zerbi and Tottenham may not have a choice but to embrace the very best and worst of the chaos Richarlison brings to the table. Though RDZ seems to favor Kolo Muani, for some reason, there has to be an acknowledgment from De Zerbi that Richy is the better option for Spurs now. It's just, will Richy show it?