Richarlison has dominated the headlines at Goodison Park following his explosive start to his new chapter at Everton, but his arrival may yet be overshadowed by the quietly impressive Bernard.
While the Brazilian wonderkid is certainly showing no sign of easing up this season, as his winner for Brazil against Cameroon on Tuesday evening serves to prove, there is reason to suggest that his purple patch is unsustainable.
Richarlison started his career at Watford in a comparably similar vein before dwindling into insignificance at Vicarage Road around this time last season.
There is no sign that history is in danger of repeating itself but the pattern of Richarlison’s career suggests that he heavily relies on confidence to fully enjoy himself in the final-third, so a handful of lacklustre performances could yet signal the beginning of another dry spell in front of goal.
The advantage Richarlison has at Everton is that he is surrounded by a multitude of talented players who can provide him with the golden opportunities in the final-third, including fellow compatriot Bernard.
Boasting a low centre of gravity and incredibly tight ball control, Bernard is a player who is incredibly difficult to dispossess, and it’s his ability to force defenders to second guess his movement which will make him a menace in the Premier League.
Bernard’s promise has already been duly noted in various part of the British media, and the former Evertonian, Kevin Campbell, was the latest pundit to wax lyrcial over Marcel Brands’ bargain acquisition.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Campbell said of Bernard: “Bernard is a top player to get in for nothing.”
The former Shakhtar Donetsk playmaker is blessed with plenty of Champions League experience, and on the evidence of his performances thus far it’s clear that his experience at the top level will hold him in good stead to thrive in English football.
Considering Bernard was signed on a free transfer, he could yet be regarded as Everton’s signing of the season when judged in terms of value for money.
Naturally, goalscorers are the players who command the most gushing praise throughout the media and Richarlison will continue to sweep the plaudits for as long as his red-hot streak continues.
But in Bernard Everton have stolen a gem on a cunning free transfer, and his contribution to Everton’s playmaking endeavours may yet steal the show if Richarlison suffers from Deja vu this season.
Everton fans – thoughts? Let us know below!
