During the summer transfer window, there was little clarity over the future of Richarlison. Carlo Ancelotti had persuaded him to stay last year and now that the Italian had departed leaving Everton nowhere close to Europe, the fans felt uneasy regarding Richarlison.
The Brazilian was first linked to Real Madrid with Ancelotti hoping to take the 24 year old to Santiago Bernabeu. Later in the window, the former Watford man was linked to PSG as Real Madrid were bombarding offers at PSG’s table for Kylian Mbappe. PSG didn’t sell Mbappe and Richarlison stayed at Everton as manager Rafa Benitez had a conversation with Richarlison.
Since then the Brazilian has undoubtedly been at the heart of the Everton attack alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The Brazilian has scored two goals and provided one assist in seven Premier League games, which might not be the best returns but he’s doing much more than just scoring goals.
In a period where Calvert-Lewin has been out since September, Riachrlison has had to step up. The Brazilian himself missed four games due to a knee injury but has scored one goal in 210 minutes of action since return. In a recent interview with the club, the 24 year old revealed that he enjoys the new responsibility and expressed his delight in working with the new boss Benitez.
Richarlison enjoys working with new Everton manager Rafa Benitez
"Rafa Benitez has been great for me. I am playing in a more central position and I like the responsibility of scoring and creating goals. When you appoint a manager with Rafa’s track record it shows the ambition of a club.I think he can be important for my career and improve me as a player. With his experiences at other big clubs and winning mentality and quality and detail on the training ground, he has everything required to make our season go well. (via club’s official website)"
The Brazilian’s immediate task will be to lead the attacking line against the flamboyant Manchester City side as Everton travel to Manchester on Sunday. Richarlison has a decent track record against the Cityzens in recent games. In the last four games, Everton have managed to score on two occasions and on both occasions it was Richarlison who found the back of the net.
A healthy and cordial relationship with Rafa Benitez is a positive sign for Everton as the dynamic Brazilian seems to enjoy the aura around Everton. The 24 year old has ambitions to become an Everton legend and if he continues to make an impact on the side, he’ll be making a case for himself, provided he stays for the long term.
Will Richarlison score against Manchester City?