When you have someone like Harry Kane on the books, signing another forward is very hard. Despite his injury issues, it is rare that Kane is out for long enough for another striker to really settle into the first team picture. This has been a problem for a while now, with Spurs not really being able to justify carrying so many big names in the squad. The likes of Carlos Vinicius tried (and, domestically at least, failed) to be that number two option. Most either get sick of waiting for a chance, or lack the quality to take their chance. With that in mind, the links with Richarlison this summer feel a little bit strange.
The fiery Brazilian is the first choice striker for Brazil. No harm to him, though, but he is not a better player than either Kane or Son Heung-Min. In fact, it would be a churlish argument to even suggest that was the case. Will a player who is famed for having a tempestuous personality really be happy being second pick to both of these players?
Even if Conte moves to the 3-4-3 formation that further enhances Dejan Kulusevski, Richarlison does not fit. He is not a winger, or a wide forward. He lacks the pace to make that work, and his creative play is simply not good enough. He is a striker. So, how does he fit into this team? Kane will not be moved. He will not start over Kane or Son. Move to a 3-4-3, and he likely does not start over Kulusevski.
Some might wonder what the point of this signing is – but for Conte, the aim is depth. To have competition. Unlike other managers who want harmony, Conte thrives on competition and aggression in his team. He will want Richarlison to be unhappy – because, for Conte, he can use that anger to his own benefit.
Richarlison a long-term bet as opposed to a win now option?
The other way to look at this deal is with a more long-term look. The Brazilian only turned 25 in May, and has been a highly impressive figure for Everton. Despite the Toffees nearly getting relegated, he scored 16 goals in just 33 games – nearly a one in two return in one of the worst attacking teams in the top flight. That would be a great return, and in the way that Conte has his team playing he could score a similar number of goals off the bench.
With Kane not getting any younger, Son too, and with the England man’s injury problems so obvious, Richarlison could be a long-term option. With more or less every potential signing spot for Kane having a striker of worth in place already, too, it is unlikely Kane moves on now.
Richarlison would offer a quality competitive option to either rest Kane, keep him honest, or take his place when he is injured. With enough game time given in the near future, too, Richarlison could stay happy enough to, one day, take the place of Kane as he ends his peak years.
It might not seem like a signing that makes a huge amount of sense today. Looked at from a different lens, though, the thinking becomes clearer.
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