Watford and Everton will be pleased with how things are going so far in the Premier League as both clubs look to finish the campaign in seventh place with the division’s elite expected to occupy the top six positions once again.
Watford currently sit in that spot on 20 points largely thanks to Roberto Pereyra, while Everton are just one point below in ninth with summer signing Richarlison behind his side’s recent ascension up the table.
The Argentinian and Brazilian have both been in inspired form this season and will almost certainly play huge roles in deciding where each team finishes come May.
Roberto Pereyra
In 12 Premier League appearances, Pereyra has found the back of the net on five occasions, which is the same amount as his total tally from the previous campaign.
Considering that, it is clear to see that Pereyra is finally starting to fulfil his potential.
For all of the technical ability the 27-year-old possesses, he struggled during his time at Juventus while he has also had difficult periods at Watford.
However, Pereyra’s influence on the pitch is now truly starting to be felt. The way the Argentina international can get past a right-back and right centre-back in the left half-space he likes to operate in is becoming so problematic for Watford’s opponents.
That being said, Pereyra will still feel like there is much room for improvement with the former Juventus man yet to register a single Premier League assist despite all of the dangerous positions he is taking up on the pitch.
TT Grade: B+
Richarlison
Like Pereyra, Richarlison has looked sharp in front of goal this season, registering six goals in 10 Premier League games.
But again, the 21-year-old is also a player who can cause so much chaos in the final third. Richarlison is quick, often using his pace to run past or in behind defenders, while he also has the dribbling ability to eliminate his opponent in a way a lot of other wingers could only dream of doing.
Of late, the former Watford man has been playing in a more central role with manager Marco Silva unconvinced with his more conventional No.9s.
However, it is a position where Richarlison has been thriving in not just for club but also his country with Brazil boss Tite having used him to devastating effect there since giving him his international debut back in September.
A lot of questions were asked when Silva urged Everton to fork out what could only be deemed as crazy money at the time on his Watford protege who had spent just one season in England prior to joining the Toffees. But those questions have since been answered.
TT Grade: A-
TT Verdict:
Since Gracia was appointed as Watford manager at the start of the year, Pereyra’s influence in the team has grown significantly.
In short, bringing him in during the summer of 2016 was an excellent decision made by Gino Pozzo.
But with the impact Richarlison has had on Everton so early into his career at Goodison Park and his immense potential, it is hard to argue he is not the better player.
