Alan Shearer makes huge call about Richarlison and Tottenham after crucial goal

Tottenham forward Richarlison put behind him his personal issues to become a Tottenham hero on Saturday with his crucial equaliser helping to kickstart a late, late comeback against Sheffield United.

Spurs had been trailing to Gus Hamer’s excellent finish when the match ticked into the 12 additional minutes and with 98 on the clock the Brazilian headed in an equaliser before laying on Dejan Kulusevski’s winner. The goal was his first at home for Spurs.

After failing to score for his country during the international break and comng off in tears, the forward had given an emotional interview stating that he would be seeking psychological help on his return to England.

Richarlison came off the bench on Saturday to huge applause from the home crowd and the backing from his team mates after the match was noticable, too, as they led the former Everton man to the supporters to take the adulation.

Now, the Brazilian is being backed to show his true capabilities with former England and Newcastle United frontman Alan Shearer saying he was confident the tide had now turned for Richarlison.

“There’s no doubt about it, you might see a different person and you may see a different player, one playing with more confidence and more belief,” said Shearer on Match of the Day.

“It’s his 50th Premier League goal but his first for Spurs at home. He came on with about 10 minutes to go and he changed the game for them. He gave them a presence in and around the 18-yard box. He didn’t shy away and there’s no doubt the subs helped change the game.

“The ball and (Richarlison’s) ability to get in there, knowing exactly where it is; he shoves Basham off and then he’s too quick for him. Then to get on the end of it and get the direction and the power on it, just glancing in.

“There’s no doubt we’ll see a different player, I’m really confident in that. What a change to the game for Tottenham. You can see what [it means] to his team mates, the way they were pushing him towards the fans.”

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou said afterwards that he was hopeful positivity on the pitch will help the player in other areas of his personal life.

“Sometimes when you struggle with certain parts of your life, you let it go into other areas, but the football is one area where he can control and he works hard every day in training and really got his rewards today” he said.

“And hopefully that gives him a bit more of a settled feel to deal with the other areas in his life. For everyone, it’s about not letting it overwhelm you and hopefully a day like today helps him.”