Michael Ball gushes over Everton ace Richarlison’s ‘leadership’ v Chelsea
Michael Ball has gushed over Everton ace Richarlison’s “responsibility and leadership” shown in the win 1-0 against Chelsea on Sunday [May 1].
Another Goodison Park win under Frank Lampard sees the Blues’ relegation hopes in their own hands as they sit two points off Leeds and Burnley with a game in hand on the pair.
The Brazil international showed relentless energy for the whole game with the best example being his goal as he stole the ball of Cesar Azpilicueta to score.
The BBC pundit wrote in his Liverpool Echo column: “We need responsibility and leadership all over the pitch and that’s what we saw in abundance against Chelsea, including with Richarlison’s goal as he made the effort himself by closing the ball down.
“He could have easily just stood still, the ball was going to a senior pro (captain Cesar Azpilicueta) who I don’t think has ever made a mistake to lead to a goal against Chelsea before.
“Given the amount of effort that Richarlison puts in, you thought it’s probably not the best time for him to go and close the ball down given we’d just kicked off the second half and you want to keep your shape but he could smell danger and that he could get something out of the situation.
“That’s what good players do, the ball bounced nicely for him and he slotted it away.”
Starman.
It was Richarlison’s day at Goodison Park on Sunday – he looked as if he loved every single minute of being out there which is quite rare for the forward.
Evertonians love him but he can often be an agitated figure and understandably so with him often being played out of his favoured position and having to do a lot of dirty work as the Blues find themselves dominated more often than not.
He set the tempo for the rest of the team against Chelsea though and he looked a far better player for doing so. Instead of sulking, he seemed to use his emotions to fuel his excellent display and if the 24-year-old can continue to do that – the Toffees will undoubtedly be safe at the end of the season.
Momentum is now the key for Lampard and the players. That was a huge result that simply must be built on – no more excuses.
In other Everton news, Jordan goes berserk in an “absolutely crap” Everton rant – saying that they “don’t deserve to stay up“.
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