Richarlison promises to step up for Everton while Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains on the sidelines with injury as Toffees aim to get back to winning ways against Tottenham on Sunday
- Everton host Tottenham on Sunday without star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin
- The Toffees have been without their main man up top for several weeks now
- Brazilian forward Richarlison has promised to step up with goals for Everton
- The 24-year-old has taken the centre-forward role of late despite being a winger
Richarlison has pledged to fill the goal gap left by injured striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin as Everton try to end a run of three successive defeats against Spurs on Sunday.
The Brazilian has moved to the centre in Calvert-Lewin’s absence having played most of last season on the left. He returned from his own injury with a headed goal against Watford last weekend soon after coming on as substitute.
‘Centre forward is my original position in football since I was a kid and I feel comfortable playing as a striker,’ said Richarlison.
Richarlison (middle) has vowed to step up for Everton while Dominic Calver-Lewin misses out
Everton have missed Calvert-Lewin (left) for some weeks leaving Richarlison (right) on his own
‘Of course Dominic is sorely missed, he’s a great player and it would be great to have him on the pitch too, but I like that responsibility, it’s not something new for me.
‘So I will try to perform in the best possible way. I hope to score goals and help our team back to winning days, which is the most important thing right now.’
Rafa Benitez’s side were booed off after conceding five to Watford on their last Goodison outing putting pressure on the Spaniard after a bright start to the season.
In mitigation, Everton have been without several key players including Abdoulaye Doucoure and Yerry Mina besides Calvert-Lewin.
The Brazilian (right) made his comeback from injury by scoring in Everton’s 5-2 loss to Watford
‘It’s hard to lose so many important players at the same time,’ confesses Richarlison. ‘I was out for over 40 days myself and only came back recently. But we know that it could happen in any team.
‘Now is an important moment in the season, in which we will have a string of difficult games and we need our group (the players, the fans, everyone) to be united and strong.
‘I hope all the injured players can recover as quickly as possible, but now it’s important to stay focused and support the boys who will play, because they have enough quality for the job.’