Coleman tips Richarlison for the ‘very top’ after brace

FOOTBALL is loath to offer comparisons for fear of pressure, yet there was no escaping the influences and echoes of Richarlison’s excellence against Brighton.

It was distinctly Brazilian, the swagger of the samba, a touch of the Romario in his second finish which sealed the game – audacious skill in passing to himself to create the chance, and unbridled belief in technique for the finish.

They are whispering it very quietly at Goodison, because it is a heavy burden for a 21-yearold, but Richarlison could just be the next big star off the green-and-gold conveyor belt.

Seamus Coleman has seen much in his decade at Everton, and he’s not seen much better.

“I can see him going to the very top,” he said with genuine conviction. “You don’t want to put massive pressure on him but we are all excited by his ability.

“His quality to score goals is amazing, his work-rate is second-to-none, so that’s impressive. He won’t get big-headed by his performances. He’s a great lad, he’s had a tough time to get here, but he won’t stop. He’s a top player and we are lucky to have him.”

He is only 21. It’s easy to forget given Richarlison’s maturity in front of goal, as both finishes proved against a good Brighton side who simply had no answer to his trickery.

The first (above) was a real striker’s finish after a brilliant sweeping move by Everton from their own box.

The second was a piece of individual brilliance that marks him out as special.

Yet it was Coleman who finally stilled Brighton’s spirit with a drive from the edge of the box, after the visitors had levelled before halftime with a great goal of their own – Lewis Dunk converting Solly March’s superb cross. Bizarrely – criminally – Coleman has had some stick this season, despite fighting back from a horrific leg break and being Everton’s best player for many of the last 10 seasons.

His celebration in cupping his ears and racing towards the Gwladys Street End was pointed. But afterwards, he was typically humble in

accepting the criticism. “I am one person who is very capable of taking it on the chin and knowing when I am not good enough,” he said.

“I’m the first to criticise myself and, in the last couple of games, I’ve probably not been where I want to be. I’ve been out for four weeks and I didn’t do a lot of training and part of my game is my fitness.

“Today I felt much better, much fitter and I just wanted to prove a point. But let’s get this straight too.

“When I came back here in January (after the broken leg), the reception I got is something which will stay with me for a long time.

“We all get stick. so it’s not like I’m having a go back at the fans. It’s just me saying, ‘I’m all right’. When I am fit and at it, I am OK. The fans understand the love I have for them and vice versa.”

As for Brighton, Dunk scored, but then made a mistake for the third goal, all in front of England boss Gareth Southgate. His manager Chris Hughton, though, insists he won’t be fazed.

“He’ll be fine,” he said. “There won’t be any of the England centrehalves who haven’t made mistakes and won’t continue to make mistakes – it’s part and parcel of the job. He’s been excellent.”