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Richarlison has big Everton responsibility

By Matt Townsend

Everton's Brazilian striker Richarlison (R) celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal during the English FA Cup fifth round football match between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on February 10, 2021. (Photo by Clive Brunskill / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by CLIVE BRUNSKILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Everton's Brazilian striker Richarlison (R) celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal during the English FA Cup fifth round football match between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on February 10, 2021. (Photo by Clive Brunskill / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by CLIVE BRUNSKILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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As we build up for tonight’s Premier League match against Fulham at Goodison Park, Everton forward Richarlison has a big responsibility with Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s absence.

We’ve talked about how the injury to the England striker is giving a chance for new signing Josh King to show what he can contribute to Everton, Richarlison also has to step up for his team.

The Brazilian’s indifferent form has been one of the longest-running issues that the Toffees have been dealing with.

Richarlison’s goal tally has declined massively compared to the past two seasons. While early on he was creating more chances for others, that too has declined since he was sent off against Liverpool and suspended for three matches.

The reasons for his decline in form were hard to exactly identify. As I’ve mentioned before, I think in part it was a concequence of the different formations being used by Carlo Ancelotti this season.

Ancelotti’s 4-3-3 designed to get his new signing James Rodriguez into the team, meant that Richarlison was shifted to a wider left-sided role rather than playing centrally alongside or just behind Calvert-Lewin.

Having said that he was still getting into good positions in and around the penalty area but when he did he seemed to have lost the clinical finishing skills he had so often showed in previous campaigns.

The Toffees boss has also talked about how he has struggled to communicate effectively with his talented South American forward.

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For a while his lack of goals wasn’t a massive problem for Everton while Calvert-Lewin was scoring freely. But once the Englishman’s goals dried up in December and into the new year and then after his first injury, this became more of a problem.

After coming back after his suspension he sometimes seemed too keen and eager to score, understandably, shooting too often and being a bit too selfish rather than be patient and wait for the form to return.

Anyway whatever the reason or reasons, the Blues Brazilian star was still struggling going into the FA Cup tie against Tottenham on Wednesday night. Was it even perhaps necessary to consider dropping him for a while from the first-team?

Well Richarlison responded in fine fashion scoring two superbly taken goals, one a long range right-footed shot from outside the area and another an even better finish, taken instinctively with his left foot from a tight angle wide of the goal.

That was the Richarlison we all wanted to see once again. Now with his English striking partner out again at least for tonight’s match and possibly for longer, it will be very important for the Brazilian international to carry on and continue his recent revival.

A rejuvented Richarlison will be hugely significant for Everton as the team approach the critical final third of the season. His goals could prove the difference ensuring the club qualify for Europe or even the Champions League and/or win a trophy.