Richarlison Scores for Tottenham Under-21s Amid First-Team Exile
The Brazilian forward played his first match since being removed from Roberto De Zerbi's squad, scoring for the U21s in the EFL Trophy.
Richarlison found the back of the net for Tottenham's Under-21 team in an EFL Trophy fixture, marking his first appearance since being excluded from Roberto De Zerbi's senior squad. The Brazilian international scored Tottenham's equalizing goal against League Two side Cheltenham Town on Tuesday night, turning in a cross from James Rowswell to level the match at 1-1.
The game ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw, with Richarlison also converting his penalty in the subsequent shoot-out, which Cheltenham Town won 7-6.
This EFL Trophy appearance provided a rare opportunity for Richarlison to gain match experience, as he was not included in De Zerbi's Premier League squad, and Tottenham has already been eliminated from the Carabao Cup. "Happy to do what I love most in life. I was missing it!" Richarlison posted on social media after the game.
Richarlison had featured in Tottenham's opening day defeat against Brentford, but De Zerbi later stated that the player had "said too many times he wants to leave." A potential return to Everton fell through before the transfer deadline, and other rumored moves to Trabzonspor and his boyhood club Vasco did not materialize.
Richarlison, who is expected to be without first-team football until January, received praise from Cheltenham manager Steve Cotterill for his conduct during the match. Cotterill described the Brazilian's attitude as "absolutely first class" and "immaculate," noting that he could have easily approached the game with less commitment.
"He’s used to playing in front of 60,000 every week, his attitude tonight was absolutely first class and it was great for our lads to play against someone of his stature,” Cotterill added.
