By Noel Whelan

29th Jan, 2023 | 7:30am

Expert accuses Tottenham after new Richarlison development - 'they didn't think this through'

Noel Whelan has accused Tottenham of not “thinking through” their summer signing of Richarlison after his limited impact this season.

The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 25-year-old must play as a striker – but acknowledged it would be hard to displace top scorer Harry Kane.

Richarlison, who cost a reported £60million last summer (2022), is yet to score a Premier League goal for Tottenham in 13 appearances.

He has been used on the left and right flanks to limited effect so far this season.

Richarlison primarily plays as a striker for Brazil and scored three goals across four games at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Tottenham sit fifth in the Premier League – three points adrift of Man United having played a game more than the Red Devils.

Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I don’t think they thought it through when they were signing Richarlison.

“His best position is as a number nine, but he’s not going to force out Harry Kane.

“Kulusevski is the first choice on the right, and Son is on the left.

“If you’re going to pay £60million for a player, you’ve got to play him in his best position.

“It’s through the middle – we’ve seen him for Brazil.

“He’s been successful, scoring goals – and they’re not getting the best out of him.

“Whether they have to change their formation and go to two up front, I don’t know. Conte is too defensive-minded to do that.

“I have a lot of massive question marks about the signing of Richarlison. He could be successful, but he’s not being used often enough or in the right way.”

In other news, Football Insider updates as Tottenham plot move to sign England star.