Carlo Ancelotti has praised former Everton fans' favourite Richarlison, insisting the Brazilian international is currently one of the best forwards in world football.
Having spent time together at Goodison Park during the Italian's short tenure in charge of the Blues, Richarlison has since been linked with a move to Real Madrid, despite only signing for Tottenham Hotspur in the summer. And his reputation is only growing further after helping Brazil into the World Cup quarter-finals in Qatar.
Bidding to help the Selecao claim a fifth World Cup success, Richarlison and Co face Croatia in today's first last-eight tie. The 25-year-old is expected to lead the line for Brazil again after scoring his third goal of the tournament in the round-of-16 drubbing of South Korea.
READ MORE: Inside story on how Dan Meis hopes he has created 'iconic' Everton new stadium
EXCLUSIVE: Everton hero loved Goodison Park but his greatest moment ended up meaning nothing
And Ancelotti has lauded Richarlison, insisting his attacking skillset is like no other.
"He is a modern and complete forward, not very sharp on his feet but coordinated and with great synchronization in the area,'' the Galacticos boss told MundoDeportivo. ''He is also strong with his head, although he is not a giant. For me, he is among the best forwards.''
Having made quite the impression on the 63-year-old during their stint together at Everton, Real Madrid have been linked with a move for the Tottenham striker in recent weeks, with Ancelotti's admiration clear to see even during his time at the Blues.
“Richarlison was a fantastic talent before me [Ancelotti's arrival last month] and will be a fantastic talent after me,” Ancelotti told evertontv, back in January 2020. ''He has skills and ability… power and strength and speed. He is really the complete striker.''
READ NEXT:
- Everton star who drove a Rolls Royce to training told he was at 'wrong club' after x-rated hot tub incident
Everton's forgotten Dubai match as man supporters 'loved to hate' came back to haunt them
Ben Godfrey sets Everton first-team target after 'hardest period of career'
Everton 'set to make' Jarrad Branthwaite decision amid Jose Mourinho 'interest'
Big Everton issue that Farhad Moshiri and fan groups can agree on as ownership question remains
