A Star In The Making? – Analysing Watford’s Richarlison
Not many youngsters can boast of having a chant for themselves despite playing just four games. And yet, Watford’s sensational Brazilian summer signing has proven that it can be done. It took Richarlison just four games to earn his own chant from the Vicarage Road faithful, and there has been no stopping him ever since.
Richarlison made an almost instant impact for Watford under the tutelage of Marco Silva. The player netted his first goal in the Premier League on his debut, as Watford brushed aside Bournemouth 2-0 to start the season in style. At 20 years of age, Richarlison is one of the youngest Brazilians to have made a mark in the Premier League.
Watford are in an exciting transition period and their attack force is filled with an infectious yet young energy, which is truly delightful to watch. Richarlison’s influence alongside fellow new arrival Andre Gray has restricted long-serving club captain Troy Deeney to more time on the sidelines.
Richarlison’s arrival was relatively low-key because of how little-known he was in English football before his transfer. But he has established himself as a name on the lips of a lot of fans and critics. The winger has been the heart and soul of the Hornet’s great start to the campaign, scoring three goals in the league and wowing fans with his skill, speed and technique.
Meanwhile, the Brazilian may be rightfully raking in accolades for his performances but his teammates deserve credit too. Even the finest players need the support of others, and at Watford, Richarlison has several team-mates who he can thrive alongside. Roberto Pererya and Nathaniel Chalobah have also proven to be quality additions so far, and with Gray and Tom Cleverley also starting the season well, it already seems like there’s an understanding and structure that can lead to further improvement.
Although Richarlison is quite versatile in the sense that he can operate from wide areas or centrally, Silva has often used the Brazilian as a winger. That is where the 20-year-old played the majority of his games for Fluminense and also came to the attention of Watford’s scouting system. Besides, he is clearly thriving in that role. Having said that, his versatility can come in handy for Silva at a later point.
Richarlison has also displayed his brilliance when it comes to finishing. At a time when even the most expensive summer acquisitions are failing to finish and convert shots to goals, the youngster is truly having the time of his life in front of the net. Things can only go uphill from here for the player. He is young, he is talented and if he continues to be steered in the right direction, he can go on to achieve wonders in the future.