Michael Ball raves over Everton man who is ‘first name on the teamsheet’
Everton attacker Richarlison returned to full fitness recently, and has instantly reminded the Toffees faithful of what he can do.
He came back for the 3-2 win over Watford, and then got back on the scoresheet in the 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace last Saturday.
The Brazil international is arguably the most talented player at the club, something that new manager Carlo Ancelotti has clearly recognised.
He wants to keep improving and become a regular starter for his country, and so the question is whether he can do that at Goodison Park?
For former Toffees defender Michael Ball, though, he believes there is still plenty of room for improvement on Merseyside for the 22-year-old.
“Richarlison wants to get in the Brazil team regularly so he has to put the performances in for Everton,” he wrote in his column for the Liverpool Echo.
“His build-up play is what he’s improved on this season. He’s getting a little bit stronger and the defenders are holding him, grabbing him, kicking him but he’s got the quality. The goals he’s scored this season when he’s got a Blue shirt on, they’re all different types of goals. That shows you the quality he’s got.
“He’s a young player but he’s played a lot of games for us. He’s a big player for us and as Carlo Ancelotti has said he still has things to improve on but that will come with experience and time and figuring it out for himself.
“Richarlison is the first name on the team-sheet. Every time we have a good result he’s there or there about, scoring or setting up the goals for us.
“We want to keep him. He is our main player. As a fan and ex-player you want him to stay but other players start seeing other scenarios and think they have a chance to better themselves and want a fresh challenge. He’s just signed a new contract though and he looks happy to me.”
Will Richarlison stay at Goodison long-term?
It’s hard to say, of course, but for now he looks settled on Merseyside and seems to be enjoying his football under Ancelotti.
He’s going to be in-demand for many years to come, though, particularly given how young he is and how good he is already.
For Everton, if they’re going to reach the next level under their world class manager then they need to keep their best players.
Richarlison is their best player, so he needs to stay around and be convinced that he can fulfil his potential at Goodison Park.
In other Everton news, former England international Ian Wright has ripped into one Toffees star.