Richarlison accused of being toxic in Everton dressing room after what ‘I’ve seen’ – expert
Noel Whelan has accused Richarlison of having a toxic impact in the Everton dressing room.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds striker blasted the 24-year-old’s body language during the Toffees’ relegation battle.
The Brazilian has been a mainstay in the starting XI since Frank Lampard took charge at Goodison Park.
He made his 21st league start of the season in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Manchester United.
However, Whelan slammed the attacker’s “petulance” and insisted he “looks uninterested” out on the pitch.
He suggested Richarlison’s character may be rubbing off on his teammates.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “The one that stands out to me is Richarlison. I’ve seen petulance in his football, not just this season but seasons before.
“He looks stroppy, he looks uninterested, he sometimes spits his dummy out instead of rolling his sleeves up and fighting. I’m not saying his performances are bad.
“But I just think sometimes it’s not about you know how talented you are as a football player. It’s about how much heart, passion and energy you’re going to give to everybody else in your side.
“It’s about character and mental strength when you get to this stage of the season.
“I’ve been in battles like this at the bottom many, many times. It’s nice to look around the changing room and say: ‘You know what? I’d happily be in the trenches with you and you and you.’
“I look around some of the players at Everton and I’m not sure that I’d want to be in the trenches with a couple of them.”
In other news, pundit shares “brutal” Everton player verdict after crushing update.