Alan Shearer has stated it is very hard to argue that Richarlison is not a natural No.9 after his starring role for Brazil at the World Cup. A regular in Tite's national team, the Tottenham man got the nod to lead the line instead of Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus.
Chances may not have come his way inside the first hour of the contest but he sprung into action in the 62nd minute when he pounced to prod the ball home from close range after it had fallen kindly for him. Eleven minutes later he lit up the tournament with a spectacular acrobatic effort that gave Vanja Milinkovic-Savic no chance as it flew into the bottom corner.
Although he has not managed to find the net for Tottenham in the Premier League following his big-money move from Everton, Richarlison has been a regular on the scoresheet for his country, netting nine goals so far in 2022. A regular starting role up front for Tottenham may not be there for Richarlison due to Harry Kane's presence, but Shearer has no doubt about the Brazilian's abilities.
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"When you look at his goals tonight it’s very hard to argue against that [he is not a natural No.9]. His finishing and his timing was absolutely perfect," said Shearer during the BBC's coverage of the clash.
"He’s not going to play that role at Spurs very often whilst Harry Kane’s there and Harry’s fit, but the manager obviously has great faith and belief in him, because as you [Gary Lineker] said before the game, he smells of goals.
"The manager’s words were that. That’s now nine in his last 11 appearances so he’s a good talent."
On the 25-year-old's double, Shearer added: "His goals were very different [to each other]. The first one a poacher’s goal, that kind of goal which gives me as much satisfaction as seeing the incredible volley with his second one, but he’s a man in form in that yellow shirt.
"Yet to score in the Premier League for Spurs this season but for Brazil he seems on fire."
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