WATFORD v WEST HAM RICH...’N FAMOUS
Silva: Our Samba ace shaping up to be as much of a superstar as Neymar
RICHARLISON looked like an awestruck fan when he had a photo with Neymar last week.
But Watford boss Marco Silva believes he has the drive and ability to play alongside the Paris SaintGermain superstar for Brazil in the future.
His explosive start to life in the Premier League may have come a little late for him to gatecrash the World Cup squad next summer, but Richarlison is winning plenty of admirers with his dynamic displays for the Hornets.
The 20- year- old has shown huge maturity since arriving f rom Fluminense, adapting to the rough and tumble of English football.
Fantastic
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 the plans of his national coach Tite.
“It’s a fantastic team, with big players in the position he plays in, but it’s a goal for him and I’m sure he will work hard to achieve it,” added Silva. speculation that Spurs 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,” he added.
“He has had a fantastic impact on our club, and in the Premier League as well, so it’s a normal situation that everybody has started to talk about him.
“He’s a player with a lot of quality. But the most important thing is what I see, and he keeps trying to improve every day, working really hard.”
Attention
One thing is quite clear: if Richarlison does leave the club in the years ahead, it will be for a good deal more than the £11million Watford paid.
That looks like a steal and reflects well on the club’s decision-making in the summer. Silva explained. “We analysed the player and told the board to do everything they could to sign him.
“He’s a different type of Brazilian and he had the skills we wanted to find for our team.”