Alan Shearer says Richarlison will be feeling a huge sense of ‘relief’ that Harry Kane decided to leave Tottenham Hotspur for Bayern Munich.
The Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorer stated that when Harry Kane was at Tottenham, their club-record signing was playing in the ‘shadow’ of the England captain.
But now that striker role needs to be filled, Shearer thinks that Richarlison has now got a ‘huge opportunity’ to showcase what he is all about, as he told BBC Radio 5 Live Sport.
For Tottenham’s opening two Premier League games, Richarlison, who joined the club last summer, has played down the middle.
The Brazil star is yet to get off the mark, with Ange Postecoglou’s side scoring four goals and picking up four points to boot.
Those starts are now being handed to the 26-year-old, it’s just a case of the player taking it with both hands, as Shearer pointed out.
“With Richarlison, he was always playing in the shadow of Harry Kane. It was always Harry, plus whoever,” said Shearer.
“He might feel a bit of relief that Harry’s gone. He might get confidence that people are now going to be looking at him, rather than Harry Kane.
“He has, without a doubt, got a huge opportunity now. It would be such a shame if he didn’t take this opportunity up. There is definitely ability in there. Say what you want about his diving, or whatever.
“But, ability-wise, he is a very good player. So, he has a great opportunity now and he might feel a huge relief that Harry has gone. He might feel that it’s his time to shine.”
Pressure on Richarlison
Given that Spurs beat Manchester United, then you would expect Postecoglou to keep the same XI for Tottenham’s away trip to Bournemouth.
Richarlison has to start putting the ball in the back of the net as soon as possible, or else, the pressure will really mount on his shoulders.
And, in truth, he doesn’t have any excuses because Spurs are now creating a lot of chances that he should be gobbling up.
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