Key Highlights
- Richarlison’s last appearance for Everton was in the 2021-22 season.
- Ricarlson has struggled after his move to Tottenham Hotspur.
- Everton’s current striker lineup includes Thierno Barry and Beto.
- David Moyes would face selection issues if Richarlison returns.
The Return of a Familiar Face: Richarlison at Everton?
At the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, one of Everton’s more successful forwards in recent memory, Richarlison, is set to return. His last appearance for Everton was during the 2021-22 season when he played under four different managers and scored a crucial 43 Premier League goals. Since leaving Goodison Park, Richarlison has had an up-and-down period at Tottenham Hotspur.
Richarlison’s Journey Post-Everton
In his first season after leaving Everton, Richarlison struggled with just one goal in 27 Premier League appearances. Two spells out due to injuries further affected his form. However, under Ange Postecoglou, he enjoyed a resurgence scoring 11 goals and four assists. His performance last year was less consistent, as he only appeared in 15 league matches.
Everton’s Current Striker Situation
Thierno Barry has joined Everton recently, while first-choice Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke’s fitness is a concern. With Solanke sustaining an ankle injury and Randal Kolo Muani signing on deadline day, the club may consider bringing Richarlison back to Merseyside. However, there are practical challenges in making such a move.
Selecting for David Moyes
David Moyes would face significant selection issues if Richarlison returns. Everton currently has Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish as their two best players this season. Dropping either of these players or risking weaker midfield options by dropping Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, James Garner, or Idrissa Gueye could disrupt the team’s stability.
Loan Options for Richarlison
The idea of bringing back Richarlison has been a recurring topic since his departure. However, the article suggests that a two-up-front formation would likely mean reverting to this structure, which could mean fewer minutes for developing talent like Charly Alcaraz and Tyler Dibling. As an alternative, some suggest looking at loan options such as Son Heung-Min or focusing on developing Barry further.
Conclusion
The potential return of Richarlison to Everton is a complex issue with both advantages and disadvantages. While his experience could bring significant value, the practical challenges and selection issues make it difficult to see him making a straightforward upgrade for David Moyes and his team. The club may need to consider alternative options in addressing their current striker needs.
