View: The 23y/o who Everton cannot seem to win without
Everton may have spent a lot of money in the summer but it is looking increasingly like they cannot win without Richarlison.
Since the Brazilian was dismissed against Liverpool in the Merseyside derby and subsequently suspended, Everton have suffered three consecutive defeats and fallen down the table rapidly. Now seventh in the table, the Toffees are five points adrift of leaders Leicester City.
Following a dramatic 2-2 draw with Jurgen Klopp’s men, Carlo Ancelotti’s side have scored just twice, while generating less expected goals on each occasion than they had in any of their opening five matches of the season (via FBRef).
In the absence of the 23-year-old, the Italian has used Bernard, Alex Iwobi and Gylfi Sigurdsson in his attacking role, but none have been able to replicate his style of direct running and creativity.
So this season, Richarlison leads Everton in xG plus xA per 90, scoring one goal and providing two assists from five starts (via FBRef). He also leads the team in terms of shots per 90 and is second to only James Rodriguez in shot creating actions, despite missing the last three games due to suspension (via FBRef).
The output of lead striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has also fallen since the Brazilian came out of the team. In the last three matches the England man has scored once and generated 0.9 xG, with 0.7 of that coming against Newcastle United where he scored (via FBRef).
Richarlison is not only capable of creating opportunities for Calvert-Lewin, but his speed and threat cause defenders to split their focus between the two Everton danger men. This additional space is important for Calvert-Lewin and its absence helps explain his lack of output in the last three matches.
With a match against strugglers Fulham scheduled for next Saturday, Ancelotti will be mightily relieved to have his talisman back in the starting line-up. If Everton harbour any hopes of European football, they need Richarlison firing and in the side.
In other Everton news, View: The Everton man quickly becoming the best in the Premier League