Ange ahead of Richy’s return to Goodison: “I think there’s more in him”

Ange Postecoglou feels there’s more to come from Richarlison as the striker returns to his former club Everton on Saturday on fire in front of goal.

Richy will step out again at Goodison Park - his home between 2018-2022 - for the early 12.30pm kick-off having scored seven goals in his last seven matches in the Premier League, spearheading our recent run of five wins in seven in the absence of Heung-Min Son at the Asia Cup.

The Brazil international scored 53 goals in 152 appearances in all competitions for the Toffees and the relationship between him and the Blues fans was apparent in our meeting just six weeks ago, where he refused to celebrate his goal in the first half and was later applauded by the visiting fans after our 2-1 victory.

Speaking to us after training on Friday, Ange said: “Richy is going well, and it’s not just his goals, it’s his general game as well, which is improving, evolving, he’s become a real catalyst for a lot of our good stuff both with and without the ball. It’s good, he’s in a good place and we have to keep pushing Richy because I think there’s more in him.”

Asked his pre-match press conference about Richy’s influence and if he was relishing taking on the extra responsibility in Sonny’s absence, Ange replied: “It's probably one for Richy to answer more, but I think it's helped that he’s has had a consistent run in the team and any player feels that confidence in himself.

“The goals are obviously important because that's everyone's measure, but I think his general game is improving and that's the main thing for me. That's what I've seen. The way we play, and the kind of player Richy is, I was always confident he would score goals, but we need more than that.

“I think his work rate now, defensively, which was really important when we had Sonny up there at the start of the year, hasn't dropped off with Richy there. He's working really hard for the team and the kilometres he did the other night (against Brentford) was right up there.

“His link up and hold up play is improving all the time. I love that. I love when players still want to improve and do improve rather than say he's played for his national team and been at this level quite a while, but I can see him developing further. That's what you want as a manager and coach. For us, he's becoming a really important player.”