Exclusive: Darren Bent in awe of Toffees player who understands ‘the Everton way’ more than most
Darren Bent showered Everton attacker Richarlison with praise ahead of the Toffees’ Boxing Day showdown with Burnley.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Laura O’Leary, the former Premier League striker admitted Richarlison always puts in a shift and seems to understand what Toffees fans expect.
Football Insider recently revealed that Carlo Ancelotti sought assurances about the Everton futures of Richarlison and Lucas Digne before becoming Toffees boss as he regards them as the club’s most valuable playing assets.
Bent wasn’t surprised that Ancelotti wanted to know about Richarlison before arriving at Goodison Park as the retired attacker admitted the 22-year-old is crucial to the team.
When asked about Ancelotti seeking assurances about Richarlison ahead of becoming Everton boss, Bent told Football Insider: “Richarlison, he is a priority.
“I think he is very very good, not only when he plays down the middle or wide…but what I like about Richarlison is his work-rate.
“He will run for the team, he’ll work very hard for the team, I think he’s crucial.
“Out of all the players they’ve got there, I think he understands the Everton way more than most as he always put in that shift as he knows what the fans expect.”
Richarlison has played 22 times across all competitions for the Toffees this season, scoring eight goals and registering three assists in the process.
The Brazilian winger has been at Goodison Park since joining from Watford in July 2018 and is contracted to stay with the Merseyside giants until 2024.
In other Everton news, it can be REVEALED that two of the club’s stars are wanted by Premier League rivals next month.