Everton: Richarlison recalls chat with future teller Carlo Ancelotti during tough period
The renaissance of Richarlison has been a joy to watch. The Brazilian has bounced back from the lows of mid season, undergoing through a rough patch that saw him become a shadow of himself. Tracking back to last season, the 23 year was in stellar form and was one of the best players of the season. Richarlison was serving his purpose, along with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the duo were presented a talismanic presence.
The South American began this season on an optimistic note as Everton were flying high in the Premier League table. Five wins out of five for once made Everton fans dream of life in wonderland. Richarlison took the supporting role as Calver-Lewin flourished. Then came the Merseyside derby, the first critical point in Richarlison’s season. The Brazilian was red carded for a cynical challenge on Thiago resulting in a three match suspension.
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The derby was sandwiched between the two international breaks which saw Richarlison leave Finch farm and travel with the national team. Travelling, suspension and inconsistency started to take a toll on Richarlison. Usually clinical, he hadn’t scored a non penalty goal this term in the league which was bothering the 23 year old. Ahead of the Leicester City game, Ancelotti had a chat with him.
"It was bothering me a bit when my only Premier League goal had been from a penalty [against Crystal Palace back in September, although he’d struck three times in Carabao Cup matches],” starts Richarlison.I had a chat with Carlo about it… the day before the Leicester game. He told me to relax and that I would score in the next game and, thank God, that’s exactly what happened. His word is…I don’t know… powerful. (via Everton official website)"
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Richarlison is one of the most important pieces in the Ancelotti system. The Italian coach depends on the Brazilian to create a positive impact on the field. On days when his attacking output is low, he compensates with his defensive contributions.
His industrious nature often aids Lucas Digne who has more freedom to bomb forward. After that goal against Leicester, Richarlison once again retreated in his shell, going goalless in eight Premier League games.
Richarlison returns
However, he has returned back to his absolute best, scoring four in four games (2 against Tottenham in the FA Cup, one each against Manchester City and Liverpool). Ancelotti spoke recently during the press conference ahead of the Southampton game, reinstating that the Brazilian is back and will contribute even more.
"He [Richarlison] is a better player than he was in the first part of the season. Why? Now he is working with consistency and is focused. At the start of this season he was suspended for three games, against Liverpool [in October] he wasn’t fit physically because of travelling a lot for the international games. Now, he is back and can easily, easily reach more than 10 goals this season. Richarlison is a top talent, that’s it. (via Liverpool ECHO)"
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Everton are chasing European places and if they are to achieve a top six finish, they will need Richarlison’s charisma on the pitch. Lack of contributions from him weakens the Everton attack and puts more pressure on DCL. If Everton are to reach Europe, Richarlison’s displays will have a big hand in it.