Tottenham: Ange Postecoglou shares Richarlison update ahead of Premier League clash v Luton
Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that Richarlison is in line to feature for Tottenham against Luton Town.
Spurs will return to action on Saturday (30 March) when they host Luton in the Premier League at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Postecoglou will be looking for a reaction from his players after they were thrashed 3-0 by Fulham at Craven Cottage last time out (16 March), with Spurs failing to score in a Premier League match under the Australian for the first time.
And it appears as if the 58-year-old will have some help going forward with Richarlison ready if he is needed.
The striker was an unused substitute in both of Brazil’s friendlies during the March international break, although Postecoglou has confirmed the 26-year-old is “available” (via Fabrizio Romano, 29 March).
While speaking during his pre-match press conference, the Spurs boss told the press (via Football London, 29 March), “He (Richarlison) is okay. Had a bit of a knee niggle and we’re managing him. Brazil managed him but he trained today and feels good.”
Richarlison could make the difference for Ange Postecoglou against Luton Town at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Richarlison’s availability will come as a big boost for Postecoglou and Spurs as they look to return to goalscoring ways.
The Brazillian has netted 10 Premier League goals this season, with only Son Heung-min having scored more times (14) for Spurs in England’s top flight during the 2023/24 campaign (Premier League Official Website).
As per fbref, Richarlison ranks in the top 10 per cent of his positional peers in England’s top flight this season for the number of non-penalty goals he has scored (0.66 per 90).
He consistently makes himself a nuisance for opposition defences and goalkeepers, ranking in the 92nd percentile of Premier League forwards for the number of touches he has made in the attacking penalty area (7.36 per 90), and shots on target he has had (1.53 per 90).
Luton boasts one of the worst defensive records in the Premier League this season, with only Burnley (63) and Sheffield United (74) having conceded more times than the Hatters (60).
That will provide Richarlison with a boost of confidence, with this fixture promising goals for Tottenham.
He works hard defensively too, once again sitting in the 92nd percentile for the number of touches he has made in his own penalty area (2.06 per 90).
Those defensive contributions could come in handy against a Luton side who know where the back of the net is, with no team in the bottom eight having scored more times than Rob Edwards’ side (42), who also have more goals than sixth-placed Manchester United (39).
In other Tottenham news, an ex-Spurs employee has backed Daniel Levy to sign an “impressive” international forward following a Fabrizio Romano update.
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