Former Arsenal star heaps praise on compatriot Richarlison

Former Arsenal star Gilberto Silva has praised compatriot Richarlison following Everton’s goalless draw against Chelsea on the road. The 21-year-old only arrived in the Premier League from Fluminense last year but he has since shown immense progress which has made him a regular for club and country.

Speaking to Everton TV, Silva was pleased with the progress of the former America Mineiro graduate and believes the forward offers something different to the national side than other players within the squad, he said: “Now Richarlison has played for the national team as well and it is great for a young player to be in the squad - it will raise his confidence.

"He is a different type of Brazil striker because he likes to fight. If you look back at the type of strikers we have had in the past he is a bit different. He really suits the Premier League and is different from a lot of Brazilian forwards of the past. He is quite physical and although he is young, he is the type of guy who will fight for the cause.”
“Richalison made a bright start with Watford last term where he scored five goals during the first couple of months“ but his performances thereafter tailed off with no contributions at the backend of the season. Despite this, the Toffees spent“ a sizeable package of“ more than £35m to lure him to Goodison Park during the summer and the reunion with Marco Silva has brought the best out of his abilities.

Since the 2018/19 season started, the Brazilian has impressed with six goals from just 10 Premier League matches for the Toffees. He has also stepped up to the national team with two goals from four appearances – both of which came during his international friendly debut against El Salvador in early September. Meanwhile, Everton have made a decent start to the league season and they are currently placed ninth on the table with 19 points on the board.