Richarlison: High-Quality Everton Smoothed Brazil Transition

Richarlison insists training with top-quality players regularly at Everton has helped him to swiftly adjust to the demands of turning out for five-time world champions Brazil.

The explosive forward continued his eye-catching start to his international career on Tuesday night, netting his third goal in what was his only his sixth Brazil appearance as Tite's side beat Cameroon 1-0 in Milton Keynes.

Richarlison started the game on the bench but was introduced after just eight minutes when close friend Neymar was forced off with a groin injury.

And the Everton man went on to strike the game's decisive blow - showcasing terrific movement to escape his marker before powering home a wonderful header from Willian's corner delivery.

Richarlison's early-season form for Everton saw him win a first senior Brazil call-up in August. He announced himself on the international stage in thrilling fashion, hitting a double on his full debut beat El Salvador 5-0 in Washington DC.

The 21-year-old has continued to shine in an Everton shirt and remained a staple in the Tite's squad. His strike against Cameroon means he has now scored nine goals in 17 matches for club and country this season.

Richarlison explained the competitive and challenging atmosphere at Everton helped him to instantly feel comfortable when rubbing shoulders with Brazil’s galaxy of stars.

He also underlined the important role played by Blues boss Marco Silva in his impressive start to the season. 

“Training at Everton is intense,” the summer signing from Watford told evertonfc.com. “There is a lot of quality in the squad and a lot of detail in the sessions.

“It has helped me a lot – both to improve as a player and then in the games and matches with the national team. 

“My confidence is growing, not just with the Brazilian team but with Everton also.

“I needed that run of games with my club and more experience. I am so happy to be playing regularly and influencing matches.”


Richarlison has struck up a close bond with international teammate Neymar, and the Paris St Germain superstar has spoken in glowing terms about the Everton forward.

Speaking to evertontv, he described Richarlison as a “great player”, while also saluting the Nova Venecia-born player’s relentless work ethic.

For Richarlison’s part, he revealed he is savouring playing alongside the former Barcelona ace, who won his 96th cap for Brazil on Tuesday night. 

Richarlison believes he will continue to learn from the 26-year-old, who became the world’s most expensive player when he joined PSG from the Catalan side in 2017. 

The ex-America Mineiro man added he was thrilled to hear that Neymar rates him so highly.

“It means a lot because Neymar is one of the best players in the world,” Richarlison said.

“He makes it easy to play with him because he is so good. 

“No matter where he is in the pitch, he will always find you if you get in good positions. You feel he will create chances for you in front of goal.

“In this team, you know opportunities will arrive and, hopefully, the goals are coming.

“I am trying to do what the Brazil coach asks from me. I want to continue like this with Brazil and contribute every time I play.”