Richarlison Seeks Redemption as Tottenham’s Golden Boot Favourite

Last season’s Europa League triumph halted Tottenham Hotspur’s 17-year title drought and renewed hope in North London.

Despite adding a long-awaited piece of silverware to Spurs’ trophy cabinet, Ange Postecoglou severed ties with the club in the summer.

His successor, Thomas Frank, has made a solid start at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, guiding the team to a commendable third place in the Premier League ahead of the international break.

Similar to Brentford’s approach last season, Spurs have leaned on a direct, fast-transition style, resulting in an impressive 13-goal haul after the opening seven rounds.

To put that in context, only Arsenal and Manchester City have netted more, highlighting a remarkable turnaround from the scoring struggles Spurs faced toward the end of Postecoglou’s regime.

In addition to changing the squad’s approach and mentality, Frank has helped several underperforming stars get back on track, including Brazilian centre-forward Richarlison.

Meanwhile, marquee summer signings Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons have breathed new life into Tottenham’s frontline, providing creativity and flair they often lacked last season.

Now or never

Richarlison was on the fringes under Postecoglou, making only 15 league appearances, only four of which saw him feature in the starting line-up.

Poor form and recurring injuries had cast a doubt on the Brazilian’s career in the capital, with his exit looking like a virtual certainty at one point.

However, Frank’s arrival has offered the 28-year-old a lifeline.

The new manager has shown trust in Richarlison, helping the forward regain confidence and re-establish himself as a key attacking option for Spurs.

Determined to seize this opportunity, Richarlison has repaid Frank’s confidence in the early stages of the season.

With three goals and one assist, he has been Tottenham’s most prolific player in the Premier League so far in 2025/26.

According to Spreadex Sports, Richarlison could be on the verge of a historic season in London.

Indeed, the analysis backs the ex-Watford ace to hit double digits for the first time since arriving at Tottenham in 2022 for an eye-watering £50 million transfer fee.

With Frank making him his first-choice striker, this could be Richarlison’s last chance to justify his whopping price tag.

Viable contenders

Tottenham had hoped Dominic Solanke would give them what Richarlison couldn’t after they splashed £55m to sign him from Bournemouth last summer.

Solanke’s nine-goal tally from 27 Premier League matches in his first season in London was a far cry from his formidable 19-goal haul in his last year in Boscombe.

Despite a noticeable drop-off, the Englishman fared better than his Brazilian counterpart in terms of consistency.

Regardless of his superior form, Solanke has tumbled down the pecking order since Frank’s arrival, even falling out of contention for the club’s golden boot.

However, the new boys are already staking their claim, with Kudus and Simons showing flashes of creativity and goalscoring potential.

Kudus has scored one Premier League goal since joining the club from West Ham United, but he has racked up four assists.

Known for his blistering pace and tricky feet, the Ghanaian forward has added a new dimension to Spurs’ attack, leading Spreadex to put him in contention for the award.

The analysis expects the 25-year-old to score at least six league goals this season, placing him narrowly behind Brennan Johnson.

Spurs’ Europa League hero has been in and out of the starting XI this term, but he should maintain his role in the squad as the season progresses.

While waiting for Simons to find his Premier League breakthrough, Tottenham fans celebrated Mathys Tel’s season opener in a 2-1 win at Leeds United last time out.

Omitted from the club’s Champions League squad list, Tel has positioned himself as a dark horse in the Premier League, considering Frank can only use him in domestic action.