Former Premier League striker and pundit Alan Shearer has named Richarlison as one standout performer that will have cemented his place in Rafa Benitez’ thinking.
The Brazilian did not look at all fatigued despite having just returned to the club from his gold-winning Olympics campaign, getting off to a scintillating start as he netted in Everton’s 3-1 opening day win.
Having found themselves a goal down against Southampton at the break, new signing Andros Townsend registered an assist on his competitive debut as Richarlison pounced on his dinked header to finish at the near post.
Shearer named Richarlison in his Premier League Team of the, hailing the transformative impact of the 24-year-old.
“The Brazilian’s goal, assist and all-round performance will have impressed new manager Rafa Benitez, I am sure,” he wrote for the BBC.
Richarlison has made 120 appearances for Everton in all competitions since joining from Watford in 2018, registering 43 goals and 10 assists in that time.
Read Everton Verdict
For Richarlison, his goal and his eventual assist to set up Everton’s third goal cannot be faulted.
They acted as the ideal springboard for Everton to set up a productive second half that turned a potentially sour opening day into an encouraging sign of the club’s future under Rafa Benitez.
For that alone, Shearer is justified; Richarlison has undoubtedly re-affirmed his centrality to Everton.
