Your Tottenham morning digest on Thursday, September 8.
Paratici lauds record breaking transfer decision
Spurs managing director Fabio Paratici says it was an 'easy decision' to break their club record transfer fee to sign Richarlison this summer. Despite having not yet scored for his new club, Richarlison has impressed so far in a Tottenham shirt.
The Brazilian made his first start for Spurs against Fulham on Saturday and was one of the star performers, but was cruelly denied a full debut goal due to a tight VAR call. Richarlison signed from Everton for a fee in the region of £60 million in July.
"We are so convinced [it was right] to buy him so far," Paratici said. "This kind of style of football is, I think, perfect for us. Not just technically speaking but [in terms of] character.
“He's a fighter, he has a big energy, he can play three positions in the forwards. He has great experience in the Premier League and national team for Brazil. I think it's really technically speaking an easy choice [to sign him]."
Player ratings vs Marseille
Tottenham got off to the perfect start in the Champions League with a 2-0 win at home against Marseille thanks to a brace from Richarlison. Here are the Spurs player ratings:
Richarlison
Named in the starting XI for the second successive game and teamed up well with Harry Kane and Son Heung-min early on. Didn't have many opportunities on goal to begin with but made it count with two emphatic headers to help Spurs clinch three important Champions League points. 9
Harry Kane
Started the game extremely brightly and produced some fine flicks to team up with his fellow attackers. Saw a couple of efforts blocked and will feel he should have done better with the one he fired wide not long before the break. Played Son through which led to Chancel Mbemba's red card. 7
Son Heung-min
Following a bright performance against Fulham, Son struggled in the first half but was then in the action as he was fouled by Mbemba which saw the Marseille man sent off. A frustrating night for the player. 6
Antonio Conte praises Richarlison
Antonio Conte was full of praise for his Brazilian striker after an immense debut in the Champions League, firing Spurs to a 2-0 win against Marseille.
Conte said: "First of all I am happy for Richy, he deserved to have a night like this. I remember very well when we signed him he said he cannot wait to listen to Champions League music and play in the competition.
"This morning I said 'I remember what he said and you have your opportunity and chance'. I think he did his best."
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