Richarlison: Evertonians' Vocal Backing Helping Me Thrive

Richarlison has saluted the support he has received from Evertonians since arriving at the Club, revealing their vocal backing on matchdays has helped inspire his blistering start to the season.

The Brazilian has hit six goals in nine Premier League outings for the Blues since joining from Watford in the summer and has been a central figure as Marco Silva’s side have racked up four victories in their past five matches.

The 21-year-old - who faces a late fitness test ahead of Sunday’s trip to high-flying Chelsea after suffering a minor ankle injury – is confident the Toffees can keep up their impressive form at Stamford Bridge.

Richarlison says Marco Silva’s ambitious approach has given the players the belief they can go to any ground in the country and achieve a positive result.

And, if passed fit, the explosive forward believes he can remain on the goal trail – and give Everton’s passionate away following a day to remember in west London.

“I’m really happy because I have got a great reception from the supporters here,” he said. “The fans have even come up with a song for me. When I’m on the pitch I love to hear that song and it really gives me a boost. In return, I want to give back that affection by playing well and giving my all for the shirt.

“I think the team has been developing really well. We have had a high-intensity approach since the start of the season. We have been improving and have four wins from five.

“I think it will be a great game against Chelsea. It will be close and we’re going there with the desire to get a victory away from home. We’re not going to go there to defend, we’re going to attack and to try to score goals.

"Chelsea have great players and I like playing against these teams - I feel like I get more space.

“The team is focused and we have what it takes.”


Richarlison, whose dazzling start to his Everton career saw him rewarded with a first call-up to the Brazil national squad in September, is convinced he will continue to improve further under progressive boss Silva.

The former Fluminense man, who was brought to England by the Portuguese in 2017 when he was in charge at Watford, has described Silva as “like a father”.

He detailed how the Blues manager is constantly helping him to develop his game – insisting he is already a better player than when he arrived at Everton in the summer.

“He is always helping me out and I’ll continue to improve,” he said. 

“Everyone can see my development here at Everton. Marco Silva has been really important in this aspect, he will show me videos of my performances, what I’ve done well and what mistakes I’ve made and how I can correct them.”

While he primarily operated from the left wing in his opening matches for Everton, Richarlison has impressed as a central striker in the Toffees’ past four Premier League games.

The Brazilian believes he has the qualities to continue thrive in spearheading the attack.

“It’s a position I know well as I was playing as a number 9 at Atletico Miniero and my characteristics suit it,” he said. 

“What is important is when I get a chance to score I want to put it away.

“I need to thank my teammates, though, because they are the ones who make the passes and give me a chance to score. That’s what Everton is about, we’re a team – we want to help each other.”