Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
RICHARLISON’S SOLID SILVA
Hornets boss backs star to hit the big time
RICHARLISON looked like an awe-struck fan when he posed for a photo with Neymar last week.
But Watford boss Marco Silva (below) believes he has the drive and ability play alongside the PSG superstar for Brazil in the future.
His explosive start in the Premier League may have come just a little late to see him gatecrash Brazil’s World Cup squad next summer, but Richarlison is winning plenty of admirers with his displays for the Hornets.
The 20-year-old has shown huge maturity since arriving from Fluminense, instantly adapting to the rough and tumble of English football. He has four Watford goals to his name already and Silva feels that the sky is the limit.
“We are talking about a fantastic talent,” said Silva. “He’s a fantastic boy and a very good player. I’m sure he will achieve everything he wants, because he has the skills.”
Richarlison starred for
Brazil’s Under20 side at the
South American Championship earlier in the year and while there is plenty of competition for places at senior level – Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus and Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino are two of those in favour – Silva is certain his man will do all in his power to force his way into Brazil coach Tite’s plans.
“He played at youth level for his national team and performed well,” added the Portuguese. “It’s a fantastic national team, with fantastic players in the position he plays in, but it’s a goal for him and I’m sure he’ll work hard to achieve it.” If Tite is monitoring Richarlison, he won’t be the only one. There is speculation that Tottenham are considering a swoop, with more interested parties likely to emerge. Silva, though, simply sees this as the natural consequence of the youngster’s progress.
“For me, it’s not a surprise if clubs come to see him and analyse him,” Silva said.
“He has had a fantastic impact on our club, and in the Premier League. But the most important thing is what I see, and he keeps trying to improve every day, working really hard.”
If Richarlison does leave, it will be for a good deal more than the £11million Watford paid. That looks like a steal.