In Focus: Spurs can count their Riches with Brazil's No9

Harry Kane's departure to Bayern Munich has given Richarlison the opportunity to step up.

The Brazilian forward was confined to the bench for much of the 2022-23 campaign but faces a new beginning under Ange Postecoglou.

He was unable to get in the scoresheet in the 2-2 draw with Brentford on Sunday but will have ample opportunity to make his mark in North London.

We turn the spotlight on the 26-year-old ahead of Tottenham's battle with Manchester United on Saturday.

Finding his way

Richarlison enjoyed a prolific pre-season, scoring a hat-trick against Lion City Sailors during the club's tour of Asia before testing himself against Barcelona a few days before the campaign began.

But Spurs' No9 struggled to impose himself on Brentford, recording just 36 touches and only having one shot on target.

Postecoglou's possession-heavy style of play will mean that the 44-cap international will have to be patient in the build-up and take his chances when they come.

Only West Ham's Jarrod Bowen (four) and team-mate Yves Bissouma (five) completed more take-ons than Richarlison's three, proving that he can have an impact even if he is not yet scoring goals.

High praises

Both Postecoglou and Brentford boss Thomas Frank have praised the former Everton striker despite his struggles in front of goal.

When quizzed about whether Richarlison could fill the void left by Kane, Frank said: "Spurs have replaced Kane with Brazil's No9.

"Richarlison is a very good player, I back him to score a lot of goals."

His praises were backed up by Tottenham's Australian gaffer, who was sympathetic towards Brazil's starting striker.

He said: "I thought he worked hard today but I felt we didn't use him enough. We could have been a little bit more direct to him and look for him a little bit more."

Suiting the system

Before the campaign kicked off, there was talk that Richarlison might actually suit Postecoglou's style of play better than the departed Kane.

The former Celtic boss relies on his players to implement a constant press — a feature that has earned the Brazilian a reputation for being a workhorse on the frontline.

His pace will also be an advantage to this new-look Tottenham team, who will often aim to draw the opposition in before unleashing a line-breaking pass in behind.

He may not be as clinical as Spurs' record goalscorer, but Richarlison has his own strengths that will only help his club as they look to reclaim a place in the Champions League this season.

Not Given me confidence

While some believe that Richarlison is a natural successor to Kane, he is yet to win over former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given.

Speaking on Match of the Day 2, the Irishman said: "He was brilliant in the World Cup — overhead kicks the lot, and you are thinking what a player he is. 

"But in a Tottenham shirt he is a different player. I think there is an issue there.

"He frustrates me sometimes, his body language. Sometimes we will see some positive stuff. I'd still be worried if they are going to go with Richarlison for the season."

Yet to open his account for the new season, the Copa America winner has plenty to do if he is to prove his doubters wrong.