Richarlison’s growing reputation in Brazil has surprised fans
Everton attacker Richarlison has become a mainstay in the Brazilian national squad due to his form for the Toffees, and he has a huge following back home.
He has 4.3million followers on Instagram – almost double the 2.4million the Toffees account commands – and Football Espana editor Alan Feehely has revealed to The Athletic that he has become a folk hero back home.
Richarlison, 24, featured in both the Copa America and Olympic games in the summer, and it is clear to see how much he loves playing for his country.
“Some people are surprised about how big Richarlison has become in Brazil,” Feehely told The Athletic.
“He’s become a folk hero. He seems to represent a different kind of Brazil.
“Richarlison is from outside of Rio. He’s a country kid but he made that journey from his rural home to Rio, like many young Brazilians, and he played for Fluminense, so they know who he is in Brazil, unlike others who went straight to Europe. Then, there’s his playing style — the hard work and passion.
“The big misconception about Brazilian football is that all fans care about is playing style. They care about winning games and being competitive, and Richarlison cares about that. Plus, he’s not averse to getting his team an advantage — particularly against Argentina.”
Everton hero status on the cards?
Blues fans love Richarlison, and that is not a surprise given how influential he has been since joining from Watford.
However, while he is a hero back home, he is yet to attain that status on Merseyside.
He was linked with an exit in the summer, just as he has been every window since arriving at Goodison Park, but a move did not work out.
Richarlison is not likely to remain at Everton for the rest of his career, but he will need to do a lot to become a cult hero or legend.
Benitez is hoping to guide his team to Europe, but the Brazilian has not been able to bear that burden alone with Dominic Calvert-Lewin out injured.
Like most of his international teammates, the South American wants to play regular Champions League football and challenge for silverware every season, but neither is available at Goodison Park right now, and he may need to secure an exit sooner rather than later to experience any.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are plotting January loan-to-buy bid for centre-mid hailed by Jack Grealish last month.
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