Richarlison scored twice as Brazil edged past Serbia in their World Cup opener last week, but outspoken pundit Antonio Cassano is not impressed – telling Bobo TV that he thinks the Tottenham Hotspur striker is “terrible”.
The 25-year-old came into the World Cup in worrying form. Following his move from Everton to Spurs, he had only scored twice for Antonio Conte’s side. He also flew to Qatar on the back of an injury, just recovering in time to play.
But Brazil boss Tite threw him into the starting line-up, largely because of his immense record for Brazil. In what was his 39th cap for his country, he took his tally to 19 goals with a tap-in. Opening the scoring, after a parried Vinicius Jr shot.
His second was a work of art – teeing himself up before a bicycle kick into the bottom corner. A superb display and now a front runner for the golden boot. But Cassano was not impressed, claiming his display was not a good one.
“Richarlison is terrible,” he told Bobo TV. “The second goal? The reality is that he controlled the ball poorly and he scored that bicycle kick, while the other goal was an empty net. You can’t compare him to Brazil’s other strikers.”
Cassano: Tottenham striker Richarlison is terrible
Seems harsh. Richarlison is a player that commanded a fee of £50million in the summer, and was seen as good business by those in and around Tottenham. His start to life has been a tricky one, but he is fighting for game time.
Of course, his injury has set him back, just as he was gaining some momentum. Spurs need him to provide cover for Harry Kane. If Spurs get the player that Richarlison is in blue and yellow, then they have made a wonderful signing.
For Cassano to say he is terrible, seems harsh and unfounded. While he makes a good point that you cannot compare him to the likes of Ronaldo, Pele and Romario – he is still a fantastic player who could be a legend at Tottenham.
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