With the North London derby now fast approaching as the international break finally comes to an end, Antonio Conte has a selection dilemma up top. But Tottenham star Richarlison might have just solved Conte’s Arsenal headache.
In the past few weeks, Conte has chopped and changed his front three. Harry Kane is a mainstay and there is no doubt that he will be starting against Arsenal. Son Heung-min, too. Son was dropped for the first time against Leicester.
It comes after failing to score in his opening eight games. But he came on to score a hat-trick. During the break, he has continued his superb form for South Korea – netting a free-kick against Costa Rica, and the winner against Cameroon.
So, having netted five goals in his last three, Son simply has to start in his natural left-wing position. But who does Conte pick on the right? Dejan Kulusevski, or Richarlison? Both have shown glimpses of class this season. A dilemma.
Tottenham star Richarlison might have solved Conte’s Arsenal headache
There is little between the two. Richarlison might play with a bit more aggression, and is more of a goal threat. But Kulusevski contributes more in transition and is so much more creative than Richarlison – which feeds the likes of Kane.
Both have their positives, both have their negatives. But in terms of who is in better form going into the derby, who has more momentum, it is without doubt Richarlison. He scored, and created another, in a 5-1 win for Brazil on Tuesday.
Indeed, Tunisia stood no chance. For Kulusevski, it has been a disappointing break. A 4-1 loss to Serbia, followed by relegation in the Nations League after a 1-1 draw at home to Slovenia. Kulusevski failed to score, laying on one assist.
Conte needs his best players to play against Arsenal. But he must also take into account their form. While there is little to separate Richarlison and Kulusevski, Richarlison’s form during the break is far superior to Kulusevski. He must start.
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