Marco Silva finally managed to get most of the fanbase back on side when we beat Chelsea, West Ham and Arsenal in succession, but the boss’ latest claims have supporters talking on social media, and not for the right reasons.
Silva has been quoted by the club’s website lauding the potential Richarlison possesses, and noted that he feels the 5 ft 8 Brazilian can go on to become one of the most consistent strikers in the Premier League.
The 21-year-old is not currently enjoying his best vein of form since moving to Merseyside in the summer, as Richarlison last found the back of the net against the Pensioners, and only managed one shot at Craven Cottage last time out.
That effort on Rico’s goal failed to test the Spaniard, either, as it was shut down by the Fulham back-line before it could pose a threat.
The same happened in our win against Arsenal, where Richarlison enjoyed acres of space up against Sead Kolasinac and Nacho Monreal, yet could not find the target with either of his three shots.
Silva, however, is confident the forward can be a proven goal threat for us.
“Yes, [helping Richarlison improve his return in front of goal was a priority], and he has this capacity [to score regularly],” Silva told EvertonTV.
“Of course, all of us want him always performing really well, but even if, for some reason, he is not at his best level, he has this ability – and these good feelings in the box – to arrive at the right moment.
“It is something we are working on with him, like we are with others. But I think it is something natural in Richarlison. Also, that feeling to attack the ball in the right moment. And he has this desire and capacity to score, wherever he is playing; on the left or right, or in the centre.
“When Richarlison came to the Premier League, we really believed in him [at Watford]. He had a big impact in his first moments in the Premier League – but the second half of last season was difficult for him. He did not score in the last five months.
“This season he has had a strong impact in our club and I am really enjoying working with him and trying to help him improve. I was 100 per cent sure [Richarlison would be successful at Everton] because he is a player who can fit really well in our club.”
When the club then shared Silva’s thoughts on Richarlison, this is what some of the fanbase had to say…
He’s scored 2 goals in the last 10 games.. not including 2 recent international matches (which he didn’t score in either). Fair enough, he has scored 13 goals for us in his first season, but no way near consistent or passionate enough currently.
— Kieren Stott (@Stotty101_) April 17, 2019
I think we and I’m sure Watford fans are aware of his potential and ability, the question Mark’s for me are with his attitude. When he looks interested he plays unstoppable but for the majority of the time he looks uninterested and sulky. He’s you g so hopefully he can improve
— Baz (@BarryHOGG1) April 17, 2019
God only knows what happened to Richarlison last Saturday.
— Roger Williams (@RogerWi33581994) April 17, 2019
I don’t think he was ever worried about not getting to start a match
— Tim Jenkinson (@timjenkinson28) April 17, 2019
Not one to dig out our players but he very often seems to disappear- didn’t even know he was on the pitch against Fulham
— Paul Reddish (@paulreddish) April 17, 2019
He left Seamus very exposed Saturday.. work rate v poor
— Steve Hobbs (@SteveHobbs007) April 17, 2019
erm. when was this?
— BLUE (@mrbb0069) April 17, 2019
May be he can help Tosun too ?
— Süvari Bey (@kaptanserco) April 17, 2019