The national team of Brazil has always been a team with a lot of talented players to choose from. But the 2018 World Cup had them missing a striker that could consistently score. It now looks like a talented 21 year old is ready to take on this role.
Richarlison is living out his dream after scoring a brace against El Salvador, in what was only his second call-up to the national team. And with few players having proven capable of scoring on a steady basis for Brazil, Richarlison seems set to be made a priority for the Selecao.
When the squad for the 2018 World Cup was announced, some were surprised by the omission of Watford’s wonderkid Richarlison. After all, the player had shown good potential and Brazil was known to struggle in the goal scoring department. Brazil’s early knockout only helped to further stoke the fire.
Richarlison’s breakout season
The striker is on a terrific run. At the start of the 2018 season he earned a transfer to Everton, a team willing to offer Watford a massive £35 million plus bonuses. And fears that he would require a lot of time to adapt to his new club were soon laid to rest when the Brazilian scored three goals in his first three matches.
O primeiro pela #SeleçãoBrasileira é inesquecível! 🐦⚽️ @richarlison97 #BRAxESA #DançadoPombo
📷 Lucas Figueiredo / CBF pic.twitter.com/NiYuGMmEp5
— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) September 12, 2018
With all of this in mind, there was not much that Brazilian coach Tite could do, but call Richarlison up for the recent string of friendlies. The striker had to wait his turn though, as was benched for the game against USA, with the familiar Brazilian stars taking the field.
Eager to use the opportunity
But Tite was true to his word and gave Richarlison a chance to prove himself against El Salvador. Of course, a lower class opponent would always mean that the Brazilians would be encouraged to score. The 5-0 scoreline surprises few. However, the good news is that Richarlison looked like a natural in the attack of the five time World Cup winners.
“I’m very happy for both goals. I was able to take advantage of the opportunity. I just have to thank my friends. I have to work hard at my club to come back more often,” the striker told reporters.
Of course, the youngster will still be put to considerable tests. But fans of Brazilian football are right to be excited. The team routinely includes some of the biggest stars in world football. And while Neymar, Coutinho and Firmino are part of the current squad, the Brazilians were anything but clinical in front of goal in the World Cup. But the tide could be turning.
Winning over the manager
Tite was among those sharing in the celebration. He was quick to congratulate Richarlison. The manager also says that he is working to have the team ready to win regardless of opposition.
“A football idea remains unchanged, regardless of the opponent. This is a way to play; keeping ball possession, aggression, movement, these are our characteristics, a way I like [to play],” Tite told the media.
Can you believe that Richarlison is still a free player in FootballCoin? He is and has managed 99.62 points this season. At the rate he’s been scoring goals, you’re likely to do yourself a favor to consider him for your draft picks for this year’s contests. Not the next one though. Richarlison us currently serving a three match suspension, but should be an integral part of Everton’s squad throughout the season. Create your perfect teams and we will make sure to reward you.
Eduard Bănulescu
