In the quieter setting of Cheltenham, Richarlison found a route back onto the pitch with Tottenham’s under-21 side, scoring in a 2-2 EFL Trophy draw and drawing praise from the opposition bench.
The 29-year-old Brazilian started Tuesday’s match against Cheltenham after nearly two months without an official appearance. His involvement came after a season in which opportunities with Tottenham’s senior squad have been limited.
Quick facts
- Richarlison scored in Tottenham under-21s’ 2-2 EFL Trophy draw at Cheltenham.
- He found the net 11 minutes into the second half.
- Tottenham lost the subsequent penalty shoot-out 7-6, despite Richarlison converting his kick.
- The forward had played only once competitively this season before the match.
- Moves to Everton and Vasco did not materialise during the last transfer window.
Cheltenham manager Steve Cotterill said Richarlison approached the occasion with the right attitude, despite the contrast between an EFL Trophy fixture and the major stadiums and international matches familiar to the forward.
“His attitude was impeccable,” Cotterill said. “He did really well and conducted himself brilliantly.” The Cheltenham coach added that facing a player of Richarlison’s international standing was valuable for his own squad.
Cotterill had not expected to see the Brazilian on Tottenham’s team sheet. He noted that Richarlison could have lacked motivation in a match of this level, but instead showed full commitment alongside the younger players.
Richarlison’s goal arrived shortly after the interval, and he celebrated with his customary pigeon dance, joined by Tottenham’s academy players. After the game, he marked the return on social media, writing: “Happy to be doing what I love most in life. I had missed it.”
His only earlier official outing this campaign had been Tottenham’s Premier League opener against Brentford in August. He was subsequently omitted from the club’s Premier League squad list by head coach Roberto de Zerbi.
A departure had been explored before the transfer window closed, with Everton and Vasco among the possible destinations, but neither discussion produced a move. With no senior-team minutes available, the under-21 fixture offered Richarlison a competitive return and a reminder of his appetite for the game.
