Tottenham Hotspur: Time to Axe Richarlison Against Manchester United?
Key Takeaways:
- Richarlison’s recent behavior, particularly his penalty incident, suggests a lack of team focus and potential ego problems.
- His form has declined significantly since a promising start, and he has lost his place to Randal Kolo Muani.
- The team’s current struggles require unity, and Richarlison’s self-centeredness could be detrimental.
- With Dominic Solanke’s return and the World Cup approaching, Richarlison’s future at Tottenham looks uncertain.
- A potential return to Everton in January could be beneficial for all parties involved.
As Tottenham Hotspur prepares to face Manchester United, manager Thomas Frank faces a crucial decision regarding his starting lineup. While Spurs secured a dominant 4-0 victory against Copenhagen in the Champions League, bouncing back from a disappointing performance against Chelsea, underlying issues within the squad are causing concern among fans.
Despite statistically impressive numbers – only Arsenal, Liverpool, Man City, and Chelsea have scored more goals, and only Arsenal have conceded fewer – the team’s style of play and the performances of certain players have drawn criticism. This frustration reached a boiling point during the Champions League match with Richarlison’s controversial actions.
The incident involved young academy player Dane Scarlett who was making his Champions League debut and, after an impressive run, won a penalty in stoppage time. Richarlison, a substitute, intervened, taking the ball from Scarlett to take the penalty himself, only to hit the crossbar, denying the young player a memorable moment. This act has been perceived as selfish and detrimental to team morale, highlighting a pattern of Richarlison prioritizing personal glory over collective success.
Richarlison, earning £130,000 per week, began the season as the first-choice striker, initially displaying promise with two goals and an assist in the opening two matches. However, his form has since plummeted, managing only one goal in his subsequent 14 appearances for Tottenham. Consequently, he has lost his starting position to loanee Randal Kolo Muani. While some might perceive his initial starts as Frank’s vote of confidence, it’s more likely a reflection of limited options due to injuries.
Dominic Solanke has been largely unavailable due to an ankle injury requiring surgery, and Kolo Muani himself faced a spell on the sidelines with a dead leg. Now that Kolo Muani is fit, he is leading the line, and Frank must continue with the Frenchman when Manchester United arrive.
The current period demands unity and cohesion. Having players like Richarlison, perceived as prioritizing themselves, can be disruptive and counterproductive. The team needs players who are willing to put the team first, and right now, Richarlison doesn’t seem to be that guy.
Furthermore, once Solanke returns to full fitness, he is expected to surpass Richarlison in the pecking order. With the World Cup approaching, Richarlison’s desire for regular playing time to secure a place in the Brazil squad is understandable.
Reports suggest that the 28-year-old would be eager to rejoin Everton if the opportunity arose. A move in January might be the best course of action for all parties involved. This would allow Richarlison to regain form and secure his World Cup spot, while Tottenham can reinforce the team with players more aligned with the team’s ethos and current needs.