Tottenham idol issues ‘big’ Richarlison claim after footage emerges
Paul Robinson expects Richarlison to play in “three or four positions” for Tottenham next season.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former White Hart Lane number one said “you cannot read much” into the fact that the 25-year-old has been handed the number nine shirt at Spurs.
On 1 July, Tottenham signed Richarlison from Everton for a fee that could rise to £60million with add-ons.
As revealed via footage from club media (5 July), the Brazil international will wear the number nine shirt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The last three players to wear the historic number for Spurs were Gareth Bale, Vincent Janssen and Roberto Soldado.
When asked by Football Insider if anything can be read into the fact that Richarlison has been given the number nine, Robinson said: “Richarlison is a statement signing.
“It shows Spurs are wanting to compete. It shows that Spurs want to compete in the Champions League. It is a real show of intent.
“I don’t think you can read too much into the fact that he has been given the number nine shirt. I don’t think he is going to play as an out-and-out nine.
“He is a big signing for Spurs because he can play anywhere across the front three. I think we’ll see him rotate in three or four positions.
“He is a brilliant player. His attitude is brilliant. He scored vital goals in an Everton side that struggled last season. It was a very, very difficult situation and he stood up to be counted. That attitude he brings is great.
“I think he will play in three or four positions if the manager sticks with the same system. It will be Harry Kane and two either side.
“Richarlison gives Conte the opportunity to change things around.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire has claimed Tottenham have a ‘payment problem’ as £152million-plus announcement is ‘lined up’.