Tottenham Hotspur legend Jermain Defoe has shared that he is a ‘big fan’ of Richarlison and he is a ‘perfect fit’ for Antonio Conte.
The Brazil international didn’t feature on Saturday during Tottenham’s 4-1 win over Southampton because he was suspended.
Ironically enough, Richarlison was suspended for throwing a flair whilst in Everton colours when playing against Chelsea last season – he scored the winning goal that day.
And now, he could make his debut for the Champions League side against the very same opponents when Spurs make the short trip across London to Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Richarlison will be hungry to show his new fans what he is all about and it provides an added spice to the club’s attack for this all-action London derby.
One man that knows a thing or two about this fixture is Defoe and he bigged up the player over the weekend, as he told Premier League Productions (06/08/22 at 12:00 pm).
“100%, you have to (share the optimism about Tottenham),” said Defoe. “As a Spurs fan, you have to be optimistic. Conte is a top manager. He is the perfect win. Wants to win now. And is used to winning.
“They have done their business early, which was important and a statement. And the signings were all top signings.
“Richarlison, I am a big fan. I think the way Tottenham want to play, that relentless running in-behind and Harry Kane now sort of plays into that ten position. He’s the perfect fit, so a big season for the club.”
RICHARLISON HAS A FIGHT ON HIS HANDS
Tottenham paid big bucks for Richarlison – their most expensive transfer ever – but that doesn’t guarantee the former Everton man a start.
Even on a very good day, he’s not going to push ahead of Son Heung-min or Harry Kane, only if Conte is rotating, resting players, there is an injury, or lots of fixtures are coming up.
Then there is Dejan Kulusevski, the January capture who just can’t stop making the ball talk in the final third – he scored and assisted and the weekend.
The Sweden international is a dream inclusion for those playing Fantasy Premier League football because he gets you points galore.
But it’s going to be some battle between Kulusevski and Richarlison for a starting spot throughout the season, all of which bodes well for the club.
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