Spurs announced a “new captain” following Ange Postecoglou’s point being shown during a training session.
Tottenham news: Richarlison debuts as captain and assumes a new position for the club
It seems like things at Tottenham will never get any better. Top of the table, loved by both supporters and opponents alike—dare we say even by opposing supporters—the league’s most well-liked manager, and the opportunity to go five games ahead of the other contenders before they play again—everything is going perfectly.
We are approaching the point where it would be simple to lose sight of how unexpected this is. Was it always meant to be this way because Spurs are there and they deserve to be there? Nope. Panic struck as recently as May when they failed to name any of their top management targets—Julien Nagelsmann, Luis Enrique, and Arne Slot were all obliterated from memory.
With their club captain facing an unclear future and no hoopla for the current manager, Tottenham appeared to be a team approaching the summer with a question mark shaped like Harry Kane above them. The forward line appeared to be dependent on Richarlison and Son Heung-Min, while the defense appeared flimsy and devoid of strong options.
These days, the story is told differently, and every week, some of the best football around is displayed. Ange Postecoglou has accomplished a great deal thus far, and the turnaround’s nature shouldn’t be discounted.
The alteration in the club’s environment serves as a case study for all that has happened.Although Richarlison, who has yet to reach his peak in north London, publicly acknowledged last month that he would be seeking psychological assistance as a result of his difficult upbringing, it is a credit to Postecoglou, his team, and the change in mindset that a few days later the 26-year-old was the driving force behind the comeback against Sheffield United.
Although Son’s play through the center has created competition, Richarlison has been demonstrating his abilities. Despite this, he has been unable to convert chances into goals or establish himself as the starting offensive option. He played barely 100 minutes in three games prior to the most recent international break, but since then, he has started all three of the games and provided two assists.
The result is that the former Everton player has contributed to four goals in fewer than 500 minutes this season, which is not quite where he wants to be but still not a bad showing for a guy who is frequently criticized. Last week, analyst Ally McCoist stated, “I just think he can be a very frustrating player, I really do.”
“As you say, nobody questions the existence of an exceptionally talented player in there. We just don’t see it enough, in my opinion. But it’s evident how well-liked Richarlison is by his teammates, and that fact cannot be disregarded.
Spurs midfielder Pape Matar Sarr shared a photo of the striker at Hotspur Way on Wednesday, showing him donning the captain’s armband. The picture of a topless Richarlison giving a thumbs up was what he commented, “Good captain [policeman emoji]”. Then, Richarlison himself replied with three emojis of smiling faces.
Son is the team’s first-choice captain, but with Kane leaving, the club has a new leadership group. Even though she is still employed by the club, Lloris has a considerably less position and is not part of Postecoglou’s plans.
The new head coach may need some time to get used to the concept of Richarlison leading the team, particularly after he voiced his displeasure with the forward on Monday after he failed to hold the ball up in the 71st minute. Richarlison lost the ball to Timothy Castagne because he chose to touch the ball with his shoulder instead of passing the ball to his teammates or giving up control.
It’s indicative of the player that Richarlison is—the maverick side that so many adore—but it’s also possibly evidence that he has a bit more work to do before he’s considered captain worthy.
