Credit: Imago/Football Focus

James Barker

Sun 24 May 2026 19:40, UK

Garth Crooks described Tottenham Hotspur star Richarlison as a player who can be “very annoying” ahead of their final day clash with Everton.

The Brazilian is certainly a player that divides opinion among Tottenham fans, with moments of brilliance often coupled with those of madness and frustration.

Netting 11 times and providing four assists in 32 Premier League appearances this season, the 29-year-old has certainly played his part in keeping Spurs in the top flight.

However, his future in N17 beyond this summer looks uncertain, with his contract set to expire in June next year.

Richarlison started in Tottenham’s win over Everton, but he was barely in the game before being replaced with a little over 15 minutes to play.

What did Garth Crooks say about Tottenham’s Richarlison?

Richarlison scored in Tottenham’s defeat to Chelsea in their penultimate Premier League fixture of the season, flashing his ability once again in what was a good performance from him.

However, consistency has been one of his big issues as a Lilywhites player, and that has seen him unable to reach the heights a player of his talent could and probably should’ve reached with Spurs.

Blowing hot and cold on a consistent basis, it was hoped that fresh off the back of his aforementioned goal and all-round display against Chelsea, he could carry that into the final day meeting with Everton.

Speaking on Football Focus via BBC Sport prior to kick-off on Sunday, long-time pundit Crooks hit the nail on the head when it comes to Richarlison in a Tottenham shirt.

“In a strange way, I think Richarlison – who I think can be very annoying – has this attitude that can either be fantastic or a disaster. Hopefully for him it works today,” Crooks said.

Unfortunately for Spurs, Crooks was absolutely right in his assessment, but not in a good way.

How did Richarlison perform vs Everton?

Roberto De Zerbi once again opted for Richarlison to lead the Tottenham line on Sunday, Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani respectively on the bench.

However, he was nearly made to regret that decision, as Spurs edged past the Toffees with a 1-0 win to secure their Premier League status for next season.

Richarlison was hooked after 73 minutes for Kolo Muani, after failing to get involved in the game at all.

As per FotMob, he recorded an expected goals (xG) of 0.06, whilst also registering zero shots on target from his two attempts and taking just 20 touches in the match.

He also failed to complete his lone dribble attempt successfully, was dispossessed twice, made zero tackles, created just one chance and won one of his five ground duels.

On top of that, Richarlison also won just three of his seven aerial duels, committed one foul, failed to deliver his one cross attempt accurately and took just four touches in the Everton box.

Overall, it was a hugely underwhelming display from the Brazil international, and one that will surely have De Zerbi looking to sign a new centre-forward this summer.