WATCH | Richarlison's goal for the 1-0 Tottenham vs Leicester

The Brazilian striker popped up to score Spurs' first goal in the 33rd minute. After having a forgettable 2024, Richarlison has made a strong start to 2024 and in Sunday's Premier League matchday 23, he scored Tottenham's 1-0 goal against Leicester at the Tottenham Stadium.

Since Ange Postecoglou took charge of Tottenham Hotspur in 2024, much has been said about the transformation the club is undergoing. The Australian manager has instilled a fresh sense of optimism, implementing an attacking style of play that has impressed many fans and pundits alike. However, amidst all the positive changes, one player's irregularity has become a point of concern: Richarlison.

Richarlison, who arrived at Tottenham in the summer of 2022 from Everton for a substantial fee, has yet to fully justify the club’s investment. Known for his versatility in the attack and work rate, the Brazilian forward has struggled to find consistent form under various managers since his arrival. But with Postecoglou now at the helm, the question remains: can Richarlison find his rhythm and fulfill his potential at Tottenham?

Richarlison's irregularity has been evident in his performances on the pitch. The striker’s work ethic and energy are indisputable, but his output in terms of goals and assists has been less than expected. In his first season with Tottenham, Richarlison was often deployed as a backup to the more established forwards, Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, and struggled to break into the starting lineup. Despite flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency was glaring, and his tally of goals was modest, particularly for a player of his caliber and the fee paid for him.

Now, under Postecoglou, Richarlison has had a fresh opportunity to make his mark. The manager has implemented a dynamic, attacking style, which could theoretically suit the Brazilian's high-energy playing style. However, the challenge has been the same: translating his positive work ethic into consistent goal-scoring form. Postecoglou’s emphasis on fluid attacking play, where movement and interchangeability are key, should allow Richarlison to thrive, but so far, the striker's numbers have been underwhelming.

Richarlison has shown glimpses of his quality. His runs behind opposition defenses, his ability to link up play, and his penchant for making key contributions in tight moments have all been evident. However, the crucial component that has been missing is regular end-product—goals and assists. In Postecoglou’s system, the responsibility for goals doesn’t lie with one individual but is spread across the entire team. This could be a double-edged sword for Richarlison: on one hand, he is not the sole focus of the attack, but on the other, it could be harder for him to assert himself and earn the regular starts and opportunities he needs to build confidence.

One factor that has affected Richarlison’s consistency is the intense competition for attacking spots at Tottenham. With Son, Dejan Kulusevski, and newcomer Brennan Johnson all vying for starting roles, it’s not easy for any player to carve out a consistent position in the starting XI. Richarlison has occasionally been used in wide positions, but this has perhaps not been ideal for a player whose natural habitat is through the middle. His ability to play across the front line, though useful for the team, has at times seen him shuffled in and out of different attacking roles, leading to a lack of fluidity in his performances.

Moreover, mental resilience has been another challenge. In an era where elite athletes are under enormous pressure to perform week in and week out, maintaining confidence during a rough patch is critical. Richarlison has faced public scrutiny over his lack of goals, particularly after a high-profile move to a club with expectations that come with its size. His performances in front of goal have, on occasion, been criticized, and his body language has sometimes suggested frustration.

Nevertheless, there’s hope that under Postecoglou, Richarlison will be able to find the consistency that has eluded him thus far. Postecoglou's attacking philosophy should, in theory, suit Richarlison's strengths. If the Brazilian can continue to work hard, build chemistry with his teammates, and get into the right positions more regularly, he has the tools to succeed.

Ultimately, whether or not Richarlison can rediscover his best form depends not only on his individual performances but on how well he adapts to Postecoglou’s methods. The season is still in its early stages, and there’s plenty of time for the forward to find his rhythm. Tottenham fans will hope that, in time, the combination of Postecoglou’s philosophy and Richarlison’s talents will lead to the consistency and impact they’ve been waiting for.