Good morning and welcome to live action from Goodison Park as Everton host Tottenham.
Richarlison made it seven goals in as many Premier League matches with the crucial third for Spurs in Wednesday’s 3-2 win over Brentford and Ange Postecoglou feels there is even more to come from the in-form Brazilian.
Spurs have been without captain Heung-min Son for the last month due to his Asian Cup commitments, but the Brazil international has filled the void and started to repay his £60 million price tag following a difficult debut campaign.
Ahead of today’s match, Postecoglou said: “For me, it’s about trying to get players to fulfil their potential and with Richy, I still think there is growth there. If he keeps growing, well we the football club will be the beneficiaries of it.”
Spurs were one of the most active clubs in the winter window, signing Radu Dragusin during the first half of January, in a deal that could rise to £25 million, and bringing in Timo Werner on loan.
The Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules contributed towards a largely drama-free deadline day, which was overshadowed by news that seven-time Formula One champion Hamilton would join Ferrari from 2025.
Tottenham also sent young prospects Ash Phillips and Alfie Devine to Plymouth, while Alejo Veliz completed a loan switch to Sevilla on deadline day.
Spurs were able to move towards one important deal on Thursday after they convinced Swedish teenager Lucas Bergvall to join the club over Barcelona.
Bergvall had been set to sign for Barca, but the 18-year-old has now agreed to put pen to paper on a long-term deal at Tottenham with the transfer set to be finalised in the coming days.
Postecoglou would not be drawn on the midfielder, although did admit Spurs’ academy is an area where they must improve.
“I think we’ve got a lot of work to do in our academy and (academy director) Simon Davies is certainly one that is putting a lot of emphasis and priority there,” he said.
“I don’t think we have the production line other top clubs have, certainly not. Even currently that’s why we’re investing in some younger players, even for the first team. For us as a football club that’s definitely the way forward.”