Craig Burley has claimed that he ‘wouldn’t want’ Richarlison at Arsenal, if he had a choice to pick between the Tottenham Hotspur star and his Brazil World Cup teammate, Gabriel Jesus, as he told ESPN.
On the international stage, Brazil boss Tite is starting Tottenham’s summer signing over the man Arsenal purchased from Manchester City – he proved why by netting a brace as Brazil opened their World Cup account in Doha by beating Serbia.
But whilst Richarlison dances on the international stage, he can’t argue that he is being outperformed by Jesus on the domestic scene.
That’s why former Scotland international Burley would still pick Jesus over Richarlison, if he had a choice, as he stood by his point of asking the Arsenal man to come on at half-time for the Spurs star during Brazil’s World Cup opener.
“That point stands,” said Burley.
On whether his point stands even after Richarlison’s brace: “You see again, gutter press. You are missing the point.
“If I had a football team and you offered me two players. Richarlison and Jesus. I am taking Jesus every day.
“I understand that the Brazilian coach sees it differently because of Richarlison’s physicality.
On whether he should start Jesus over Richarlison for the second Brazil game: “Well, that’s a stupid question. He just scored two goals. My point is, Jesus is at Arsenal. I wouldn’t want Richarlison at Arsenal. I would prefer Jesus, as a player, over Richarlison. But the Brazilian coach prefers this guy.”
JESUS AND RICHARLISON WOULD WORK WELL TOGETHER
Well, a certain injury to Neymar has thrown a spanner in the works for Brazil.
The PSG superstar won’t take part in the group stages of the World Cup because of a serious-looking ankle injury, but does that open the door for someone else to start?
Perhaps Jesus can come into the role and those in north London can watch another two of their attacking players shine at the World Cup, after England duo Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane.
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