Strike it RICH

BRAZIL STAR CAN PUSH EVERTON INTO TOP 6

BRAZILIAN st a r Richarlison is on a mission to make a difference – on and off the pitch.

And Toffees fans just hope he stays in an Everton shirt long enough to make his mark at Goodison after forging a growing reputation in his homeland.

Boss Marco Silva won’t be able to properly relax until the transfer window shuts in four days’ time with the £90millionrated striker still on the radar of top clubs in Europe.

If he stays, Everton can look forward to a tilt at the top six.

If not, the 14 goals he scored last season will be tough to replace.

Richarlison is not pushing for a move a f t er an e n couraging first season at Everton, which saw him promoted to the national team where he made a big impact.

In fact, life could not be sweeter for the 22-yearold, who arrived back on Merseyside last week after being given extra time off after helping Brazil win the Copa America.

Richarlison scored from the spot in the last minute to help his countrymen beat Peru 3-1 at the Maracana Stadium and clinch Brazil’s first Copa America title in four attempts.

That brought him the adulation of his football-mad nation. And it also earned him an even greater honour closer to home.

Within days of winning with Brazil, Richarl ison was awarded the Sporting Merit Commendation – a rare honour – at a special ceremony in the striker’s home city of Nova Venecia.

Cementing his place in his community as a role model Richarlison then hosted a charity match, which raised six tons of food for deprived families in the area – bringing tears from the Everton striker.

“I was very happy to arrive at the airport and be greeted by so many people,” he said.

“This is a sign that I have been doing a good job. I have many things to accomplish in my life on and off the pitch – helping my teams and my community in Brazil.”

Silva is said to have greeted Richarlison personally on his return to the club’s Finch Farm training ground, congratulating him on his Copa America success. And Silva is said to have promised to improve the youngster even more.

Toffees fans are particularly excited to see Richarlison’s potential link-up with £29m Juventus teenager Moise Kean, if Everton can get the deal over the line.