This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Everton boss Marco Silva has praised Richarlison for his mentality and goalscoring nature. However, the manager also touched on his tendency to go to ground too easily.
What did he say?
Richarlison has been one of the Blues’ main men this past year, as he registered 13 goals for the Toffees in the last Premier League season. However, like most Everton forwards this time around, the Brazilian has struggled with just two league goals so far.
Silva took the time out to speak highly of Richarlison’s mentality and his talent around the box, although the Portuguese also felt it necessary to touch on the 22-year-old’s nature in falling down easy.
Silva told Everton: “Richarlison has a strong mentality, he is a worker, no doubts about that.
“That’s part of his talent… and part of his talent is that feeling and smell of the goal around the box.
“We are working with him because the Premier League is really tough and the message and the feedback to him is to always to stand as much as he can. Don’t fall down… even if it looks in many, many moments that the decisions are not fair with him.”
Don’t get a tag
Richarlison has been criticised this season for his tendency to dive. Against Tottenham Hotspur, the forward was again looked at for going down easy from minimal contact. His theatrics late on after a Serge Aurier interception were nothing short of embarrassing, as there was no contact at all.
This is not the first time in which the Brazilian has been pointed at for simulation. Back on the opening weekend in Everton’s goalless draw with Crystal Palace, Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas noticed a similar theme in his play.
Nicholas said: “van Aanholt was sliding it but he actually doesn’t touch him. He went down very, very softly. He should have booked Richarlison.”
Hopefully, for Richarlison, Silva will speak more on his mentality and goalscoring nature in the future, and not have to add in the little comment on this issue.
It’s something a manager shouldn’t have to do and the Brazil international quickly needs to wipe this tag off his name.