Exclusive: Pundit claims Everton's "shining light" is "trying to do too much on his own"

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, John Hartson identified Richarlison as Everton’s most valuable player, but thinks too much responsibility is being placed on his shoulders.

As such, the pressure on him to perform is having an adverse effect on his game.

The Brazilian has scored three goals in eight games so far, also providing an assist in the league, but his 17 shots in six league games are an indication that he may be trying too much himself – with Gylfi Sigurdsson’s 11 shots the next highest.

Speaking exclusively to FFC, Hartson said: “Richarlison for me is a really, really good talent. He is one of the shining lights for Everton.”

The fact the 21-year-old finished as the Toffees’ joint top-scorer last season underlines his importance to the team.

His tally of 14 Premier League goals in 2018/19 shows he is progressing well and making improvements to his game, and in this campaign he seems to have added a new dynamic to his game.

Two of his goals have been a result of late runs into the box where he has powered a header past the keeper but, as Hartson alludes to, such goals are only possible if the quality has been provided by his teammates, which has too often been missing.

Everton’s last Premier League match against Sheffield United was an example of that, with only seven successful crosses out of the 40 attempted.

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It is little surprise, therefore, that the forward has attempted, on average, 6.2 dribbles per league game this season, with a success rate of only 52% – thus highlighting that he is having to create chances himself, just as the former Wales international suggests.

“I like Richarlison, he’s a player. He’s one of those players in a team where the opportunities aren’t being created for him and he’s trying to do too much on his own. You’ve got to get your best players into areas where they can affect games.”

If Marco Silva can begin to mould the team around him and play in a way which brings the best out of him, Everton might just hit a rich vein of form.

from FootballFanCast.com https://ift.tt/2m2IujV