Michael Dawson has called on Antonio Conte to manage Richarlison just like Pep Guardiola used to do with Gabriel Jesus at Man City. Adding to his attack back in January with Dejan Kulusevski joining from Juventus, Tottenham now have Richarlison as a further option up front after signing him from Everton for £60million.
A move that some fans questioned given the attacking options already at the head coach's disposal, Spurs have followed in the footsteps of Man City and Liverpool by strengthening a position of strength. Game time will be there for Richarlison over the course of the season but he is not expected to start week in, week out as was the case for him at Goodison Park.
With Conte having a selection headache on his hands at Tottenham this campaign, Dawson has opened up on the importance of the Italian managing his new signing as the minutes he wants may not always be there for him. Pointing to the example of Jesus during his time at Man City, the former Spurs defender is confident that Richarlison can come in for a period of games and have a big impact in the final third.
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"You see how Pep [Guardiola] manages his squad. The players at Spurs are going to play games. Richarlison has come in to try and keep the levels when Harry Kane, Dejan Kulusevski or Son Heung-min don’t play. You have to be at that level and I believe Richarlison is a good signing. His character is that of a winner, but he’s always played," the former Tottenham defender told Sky Bet.
"When he was fit at Everton, he played, so you are then having to deal with that character of wanting to play. He’s not in the front three in my opinion with how good Kulusevski was when he came in in January. Him, Kane and Son will be your front three to start, but there are too many games for that front three to play every single game to the levels that you expect of them.
"Antonio has to manage Richarlison when he’s not playing, but he has to say to him: 'Look, you’re a big part of my plans. I’ve spent a lot of money bringing you to the football club. When you get a chance, make sure you perform.'
"I look at Pep. He did it with Jesus. He always used to come in for five or six games and you’d go: 'Wow, what a player.' Richarlison has to be that player when he’s called upon. Lucas Moura, too. I’m a big fan of him. He was magnificent in the Champions League semi-final a few years ago, then didn’t play in the final.
"You have to deal with all these things. That’s what makes a good group and a good team spirit. Antonio’s been at big clubs and he’s dealt with big egos and big players and having to drop them. It won’t be tough for him."
Michael Dawson was talking to Sky Bet about the Sky Bet Fan Hope Survey, a poll of over 2500 fans on their hopes and expectations ahead of the new season. To read more from Dawson, and to take the survey, visit the Sky Bet Start of Season Hub.
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