An energised Richarlison is aiming to become an “elite” footballer with Everton as he opens a “new chapter” on his career.
The Brazilian is poised for his Goodison Park bow in the friendly encounter with Valencia this coming weekend after opening his Blues goalscoring account with a fabulous effort in Saturday’s meeting with Rennes.
Richarlison, who became Marco Silva’s first signing when he joined on a five-year deal last week, demonstrated exceptional close control and balance to glide forward and exchange passes with Gylfi Sigurdsson, before striding on to arrow a shot into the bottom corner against the French side.
The 21-year-old believes he is reaping the dividends of a summer off – his first extended rest for two years. In 2017 alone, Richarlison started 62 competitive games, playing the thick end of 5,500 minutes’ football.
Richarlison’s transfer to Watford 12 months ago came midway through the domestic campaign in Brazil, where he was starring for Fluminense. The forward's close season in January and February last year was swallowed up by his involvement in the South American Under-20 Championship.
“I took holidays [this summer] which I did not have for a long time because I played for Brazil Under-20s, then went back to Fluminense and, finally, came to Watford,” Richarlison told evertontv.
“Now I am rested and fresh and I want to be an elite player here. This is a new chapter. I want to be in the national team and achieve a lot of things with Everton.
“I felt fatigued before my holiday as there was a lot of training and many games. I felt my legs were going to explode, they felt really heavy and, at times, I would hold back in training to keep some energy in reserve.
“A lot of people do not see this and sometimes when you do not perform as well as you can, that is maybe why.”
Richarlison’s goal against Rennes was the highlight of an effervescent individual display in France.
The athletic attacker repeatedly drove at opponents with the ball at his feet and created a number of openings for his side. He twice came close to adding to his personal tally, too, blasting inches wide minutes before his goal and narrowly missing the target with an audacious bicycle kick late in the game.
His promising 90 minutes against the Ligue 1 team came less than 48 hours after Richarlison made his first Blues appearance as a half-time substitute in last Thursday’s visit to Blackburn Rovers.
Richarlison’s trickery and ambition come wrapped up in a package which includes a ferocious work ethic, something which caught teammate Seamus Coleman’s eye against Rennes.
He has already operated on both wings – intermittently switching flanks during the weekend’s game – and reiterated manager Silva’s assertion that he is capable of occupying any position in the front three.
“I can play as a number nine or a winger on either side,” said Richarlison, who is expected to feature when Everton conclude their pre-season fixtures with twice Champions League finalists Valencia's visit to Goodison on Saturday. “I can play in whichever position the manager asks. I want to be in the team and help the team and be good on the field.
“Since I was a child I wanted to help the defence. I do not want to just play in attack. In football today, you have to play defensively and offensively – in the Premier League especially.
“I will put everything I have on the field to try to help Everton win.
“The Club expect a lot from me. I will do my best to be the best player I can be and help Everton in any way I can. I just want to play to the best of my ability.”
