90min

How Tottenham could line up with Richarlison

By Jude Summerfield

Richarlison is close to joining Tottenham
Richarlison is close to joining Tottenham / Visionhaus/GettyImages
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Tottenham are closing in on the signing of Everton forward Richarlison as they look to push on from last season's fourth-place finish.

Spurs have leant heavily on Harry Kane and Son Heung-min for goals in recent years, but the addition of the Brazil forward alongside January recruit Dejan Kulusevski shows they are providing manager Antonio Conte with all the ammunition he needs.

So how will Richarlison fit into Tottenham's starting XI next season? Here are some options.

Richarlison as a striker

If Richarlison has taken the move to Tottenham to attempt to displace Harry Kane as their central striker, then you've got to admire his ambition. It does finally give Spurs a more than capable alternative to the England captain should he need a rest or suffer an injury.

Richarlison shifted from being a wide forward into a striker at Everton to good effect, becoming their biggest goal threat last season during and after Dominic Calvert-Lewin's injury issues.

Back in 2019 when asked about his favourite position, he said: “I prefer to play centrally because you’re nearer the goal. The nearer you are to the goal the greater the chance to score.

“I like to be near the goal and that’s what I like to do so the preference is centrally."

In cup games, Richarlison would likely start with squad players such as Lucas Moura, but he'll still get plenty of time alongside Son and Kulusevski.

A somewhat improbable switch to two central strikers could see Richarlison play alongside Kane with Son or Kulusevski in behind, but Antonio Conte is unlikely to veer too far from his trusted 3-4-3 formation.

Potential lineups:

  • Kulusevski (RW) - Richarlison (ST) - Son (LW)
  • Kulusevski (RW) - Richarlison (ST) - Perisic (LW)
  • Lucas Moura (RW) - Richarlison (ST) - Perisic (LW)
  • Lucas Moura (RW) - Richarlison (ST) - Son (LW)
  • Son (AM) - Kane (ST) - Richarlison (ST)
  • Kulusevski (AM) - Kane (ST) - Richarlison (ST)

Richarlison as a winger

It's more likely that Richarlison will fill in out wide during the early stages of the season. With Kane up front, Richarlison's most likely spot to fill would be on the left wing - the position Son currently occupies. The Brazilian played there in parts last season and his goal threat didn't diminish.

Listen now to 90min's Talking Transfers podcast, with Scott Saunders, Graeme Bailey, Harry Symeou & Toby Cudworth. On the latest show they discuss Richarlison's impending move to Tottenham, where Lisandro Martinez could be heading and more. Available on all audio platforms and the 90min YouTube channel.

If you can't see the podcast embed, click here to download the episode in full!

Son often runs off Kane's passes and Richarlison could operate in a similar fashion when playing with the striker given he would likely come off his wing to get closer to goal.

Potential lineups:

  • Kulusevski (RW) - Kane (ST) - Richarlison (LW)
  • Kulusevski (RW) - Son (ST) - Richarlison (LW)
  • Lucas Moura (RW) - Kane (ST) - Richarlison (LW)
  • Lucas Moura (RW) - Son (ST) - Richarlison (LW)
  • Richarlison (RW) - Kane (ST) - Son (LW)
  • Richarlison (RW) - Kane (ST) - Perisic (LW)
  • Richarlison (RW) - Son (ST) - Perisic (LW)
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