‘I look at him’: Gary Lineker says what he really thinks about Richarlison after scoring twice for Tottenham
Despite months of speculation over his future and constant talk of a potential move away from Tottenham Hotspur, Richarlison reminded everyone of his quality on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season. Under the watchful eye of new boss Thomas Frank, the Brazilian forward produced a match-winning display, scoring twice as Spurs cruised to a 3-0 victory over Burnley at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
While the scoreline suggested a comfortable afternoon for the North London club, the contest itself was far more competitive than it appeared on paper. Burnley, now managed by former Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker, worked tirelessly to frustrate the hosts, but the difference in class eventually told. After the game, Parker admitted that Spurs looked sharper and more clinical in key moments, qualities that ultimately swung the match firmly in their favour.
Richarlison Takes His Chance Up Front
Frank’s selection raised eyebrows before kick-off, with Dominic Solanke only fit enough for the bench as he continues his recovery from a minor injury setback. That left Richarlison to lead the line through the middle – a role he has often craved but not always been trusted with at Spurs. This time, however, he grasped the opportunity with both hands.
The 28-year-old broke the deadlock with a well-taken strike, before producing a moment of sheer brilliance to double Tottenham’s lead. His acrobatic bicycle kick not only sent the home crowd into raptures but also served as a reminder of the raw flair and unpredictability that he brings when brimming with confidence. His brace all but sealed the result, with Spurs adding a third to put the game beyond doubt.
Lineker Still Intrigued by Richarlison
Among those impressed by Richarlison’s display was former England striker Gary Lineker, who spoke about the forward on The Rest Is Football podcast. Lineker admitted that the Brazilian remains something of an enigma at Tottenham, a player capable of moments of brilliance one week but who can then struggle for consistency the next.
“I’ll tell you who intrigues me – Richarlison,” Lineker said. “Sometimes you watch him and you think, wow, he’s got so much talent. Then on another occasion, nothing seems to come off, and he looks a bit down on himself. Injuries have been a huge factor, of course, and it’s easy for fans to label him as injury-prone. But for a footballer, being injured is the most frustrating thing in the world. If he can stay fit and sharp, then Spurs have a real player on their hands. That second goal at the weekend was just superb.”
The Ongoing Fitness Question
Lineker’s words highlight the biggest question hanging over Richarlison’s career at Spurs – his ability to stay fit. Since his big-money move from Everton in 2022, he has yet to feature in more than 28 league games across a single campaign. His stop-start fitness record has hindered his progress and prevented him from building the kind of rhythm top forwards thrive on.
Frank, however, may have a solution. With Solanke gradually returning to full fitness and Tottenham competing on multiple fronts this season, rotation could prove vital. Sharing the workload with Solanke might not only help Spurs maintain attacking freshness but also ease the physical strain on Richarlison, giving him a greater chance of avoiding injury setbacks.
Motivation Beyond Tottenham
For Richarlison, there is added incentive this season beyond club football. With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, he will be desperate to cement his place in Brazil’s national squad. Regular goals in North London would go a long way toward convincing the Seleção coaches that he still has a major role to play for his country.
Tottenham, too, will benefit if he can deliver consistently. With the club competing in the Premier League, domestic cups, and European football, there will be plenty of matches to go around. Both Richarlison and Solanke are expected to feature heavily, and Frank will no doubt hope the pair can form a healthy partnership, driving the team forward.
For now, though, the spotlight belongs firmly to Richarlison. His brace against Burnley may just prove the spark he needs to finally kick-start his Tottenham career – and if he can maintain his form and fitness, Spurs may yet have a top-class striker on their hands.