John Wenham believes Richarlison needs the ‘opportunity’ to prove himself at Tottenham
Tottenham News is delighted to welcome John Wenham of Lilywhite Rose as our exclusive columnist. Each week, he’ll be giving his expert insight on the biggest talking points at Spurs…
Richarlison might not be at the level of Harry Kane but he deserves a run as the main striker for Tottenham, according to John Wenham.
Spurs are in need of a new star number striker after Kane left the club and the Premier League in order to join Bayern Munich. For years the England captain has led the line and acted as the primary source of goals for Tottenham.
Last year he hit 30 in the Premier League, while in contrast, his understudy Richarlison managed just the one. Therefore, on paper, many supporters will have doubt over whether or not the Brazil international can step up and replace the former Tottenham man.
And while Wenham believes there is a gap in quality, he has suggested that Richarlison just needs the chance to prove himself and shouldn’t be replaced at this moment in time.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Wenham said: “I think a mixture of Richarlison, and Son Heung-min through the middle will be okay.
“Although I was at the game against Brentford, where I had a very good view, and there was a moment when the ball was played across the goal front to Richarlison’s feet, and I thought to myself if that was Harry Kane, he would have held off the defender with one arm, took a touch and then placed it into the far corner.
“Whereas Richarlison panicked and hit it first time at the defender’s feet, and I just saw in that split moment, the real difference in class between the two players at the moment.
“I think for Richarlison he just desperately needs a goal in a big game to really get some confidence and realise that he’s the main man.
“Ultimately, it would be very difficult to replace Richarlison, to have that conversation with a player we spent £60million on, who has had a whole year settling in at Tottenham, who is doing things away from the pitch. His English now is better than it’s ever been before, so he is doing everything he can to adapt himself.
“I think it would be very difficult for us to therefore say, ‘you go away and you’re Brazil’s main striker, you’ve played a whole year as an understudy to Kane, we have sold Kane and now we’re going to find someone else to go in front of you.’
“I think Richarlison needs to be the main striker, he has scored goals for Everton, and he scored goals for Watford, for me he just needs game time and an opportunity to play, so I wouldn’t like to sign anyone else to go in front of him.”
In other Tottenham news, finance expert Dan Plumley has offered his verdict on Kane’s transfer to Bayern Munich.