Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison has been criticised by Premier League pundit Dion Dublin on Optus Sport.
The pundit says he can’t actually tell if the Spurs ace is enjoying his football as he doesn’t “see any joy”.
Dublin also said he’d be “very frustrated” by Richarlison’s body language if he was one of his teammates.
At the same time, he acknowledged that the Tottenham attacker does “amazing” stuff with the ball.
Richarlison caused a stir last week when he appeared to criticise Antonio Conte after the AC Milan game.
He wondered why he was only on the bench against Wolves in the league and against the Rossoneri.
Despite the controversial comments, Conte named Richarlison in the starting XI against Nottingham Forest.
Although he didn’t score, he played well and contributed to Son Heung-min’s clinching goal for Spurs.
“I just don’t know if he’s enjoying his football, I just can’t tell.
“I just don’t know if he’s happy. Never see him with a smile on his face. I just don’t see any joy!
“He’s got the best job in the world and he’s playing for a big club.
“If I was a player playing with him I think I’d be very frustrated by his body language.
“When you watch him, he does some amazing stuff with the ball but his attitude worries me.”
Contrast
Dublin has a point. Richarlison doesn’t really look happy at Tottenham.
Compare and contrast to how he was at the World Cup and it would suggest that something isn’t quite right for him at N17.
It’s a shame this is the case. Hopefully things get better for Richarlison between now and the end of the season, and beyond.
You also have to wonder whether it’s something to do with Tottenham under Conte in particular.
If that’s the case, what would happen if the Italian were to leave Spurs in the summer?
Speculation about Conte’s future has been raging for a while now.
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