Resurgent Tottenham star considered a good ‘fit’ for Thomas Franks’ side; Burnley win reiterates belief

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Pranav Ravindrannair | Last updated Aug 16, 2025 9:38 PM ET

Thomas Frank is very impressed with Richarlison who is now in contention for a first XI spot

Tottenham Hotspur fans finally got the performance they’ve been waiting for from Richarlison, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. The Brazilian striker has started the new campaign with real purpose under new boss Thomas Frank, and his brace against Burnley, capped off by a jaw-dropping bicycle kick, underlined why the Dane sees him as a key figure in his system.

Frank has long admired Richarlison. Back in his Brentford days, he spoke glowingly of the forward’s relentless pressing, direct running and ability to unsettle defenders. Now that he’s working with him at Spurs, it’s clear that admiration is translating into opportunity.

Speaking after the Burnley win, Frank told via BBC:

“Wow. His performance on Wednesday, wow! I think his work ethic, the way he leads the team, the way he presses, his hold-up play and the way he competes. But hey, on top of that strikers need to score goals and two great goals (against Burnley).”

That blend of hard graft and clinical finishing is exactly what Frank demands, and Richarlison is delivering.

Rivalling Solanke for the No.9 Role

The summer arrival of Dominic Solanke raised questions over Richarlison’s future in N17. Yet rather than shy away from the challenge, the 28-year-old has raised his game.

Graeme Bailey of TBR Football reports that Richarlison is “rubbing shoulders with Solanke” for the starting role, and insiders believe his pressing and tireless work rate could make him Frank’s preferred option through the middle. That belief has only grown stronger after his outstanding showing in the Burnley game.

Everton had been linked with a return swoop for Richarlison earlier this summer, but his resurgence under Frank makes a departure highly unlikely. With the player motivated by a looming World Cup year, his priority is clear: lead Spurs’ attack and force his way into Brazil’s plans.

The chatter around a possible exit is dying down. Instead, the focus is on how Richarlison can contribute to Tottenham’s bid for silverware this season.

A future that looks bright in N17

Two goals, relentless pressing, and the confidence of his manager, Richarlison looks reborn in lilywhite. For Spurs fans, the sight of him celebrating in front of the South Stand after that bicycle kick wasn’t just about one spectacular moment; it was about belief that the Brazilian still has so much to give.

If this form continues, Thomas Frank may have found his ideal spearhead, and Tottenham could finally be unlocking the player they thought they signed two years ago.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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