Tottenham star under fire for international spot; calls intensify for Real Madrid bench warmer to replace him

Richarlison’s call-up to the Brazil squad questioned

Richarlison has struggled with persistent injuries and chronic inconsistency for the best part of last three years. He has largely been a shadow of his form self, although the versatile forward seems to have been regaining his form and confidence under the new Tottenham boss. Yet, there remains question marks over his quality and whether he should be a regular for Spurs.

TalkSPORT chief correspondent Alex Crook has called Richarlison “brilliant or useless” and urged Spurs to improve their striker options in 2026. Now, UOL commentator Mauro Cezar Pereira has questioned Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to call-up for Richarlison for Brazil’s games against South Korea and Japan. He disagrees with Ancelotti’s choice to keep persisting with the Tottenham forward while leaving out Real Madrid’s talent Endrick.

“I can’t understand why he doesn’t call up Endrick, even if he’s not playing for Real Madrid. That’s Xabi Alonso’s problem. Endrick must be called up,” Mauro Cezar Pereira told UOL News Esporte.

“And Richarlison, what’s he doing in the national team? With all due respect, he’s a great guy with a nice story. But that miss from Estevão’s assist showed poor positioning. The ball was perfect.”

Richarlison has to keep himself fit and firing to board the plane for the World Cup

The Brazilian team have received intense scrutiny from their media following their collapse in the friendly against Japan. From winning 2-0 and in a commanding position, Ancelotti’s side conceded three goals in the second half and lost the game. Richarlison, after coming off the bench, had a great opportunity to bag a late equaliser. But, he could not direct his header off Estevão’s cross from the right flank.

Richarlison criticism is understandable given he’s been so inconsistent for both Brazil and Spurs. If he wants to silence his naysayers and get himself in the plane for the World Cup next summer, the forward has to keep himself fit and firing throughout this campaign.

He is set to once again lead the Tottenham attack when Aston Villa visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday. With Dominic Solanke ruled out and Randal Kolo Muani building his fitness after dead leg issue, Frank’s side will rely on Richarlison for goals against Aston Villa.