Why Everton should hold on to Richarlison at all costs

According to the Sun (h/t AS), Atletico Madrid have joined Chelsea in the race to sign Richarlison from Everton, with both clubs keen to strike a deal for the 21-year-old Brazilian.

The report claims that Atletico’s representatives have already held talks with the Brazilian over a potential move in the summer, even though Everton have slapped a daunting £80 million price tag to keep hold of their prized asset. (AS)

Richarlison, who made his move to Goodison Park in the summer for a fee of £40 million, has shown blistering form in the first half of the campaign. (Sun) However, he has blown hot and cold since the turn of the year, scoring only once in the Premier League since Boxing Day.

The 21-year-old has been the spearhead of Everton’s attack in the league with 10 goals so far but his dip in the performance curve in recent weeks has had a massive impact on the team’s results. The Toffees’ Europa League ambitions have come under jeopardy following a series of unimpressive results, causing them to slip to ninth position in the league, level on points with West Ham and Bournemouth.

Everton did spend a lot during the summer window, and Richarlison was one of their marquee signings. But singling his performances out in the past few weeks would be unfair, given that the team hasn’t been up to the standards expected.

Predominantly a left-winger by trade, Richarlison has also been asked to fill in the role of a centre-forward due to the struggles of Cenk Tosun. The latter has proven himself to be a glaring misfit for Silva’s aesthetic free-flowing philosophy.

While the former has done a good job leading the line, we are well aware of the fact that he is better suited playing on the left wing. That would allow him to run at defenders with pace, power and drive. It is his ability to cut inside from the left that can terrorise the opposition.

Everton have lacked managerial stability since the departure of David Moyes, with Roberto Martinez, Ronald Koeman and Sam Allardyce all being unable to take the club to same heights during the course of their short tenures. That is exactly why the Toffees should keep faith in Marco Silva despite the Portuguese’s initial struggles. He needs three or four transfer windows to build a formidable squad.

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To put things into perspective, Richarlison holds the key to Everton’s long-term future. Still only 21, the Brazilian has shown that he has all that it takes to make an impression at the highest level. That said, Everton should leave no stone unturned in their efforts to keep the Brazilian at the club.