Everton boss mulls striker role for in-form Richarlison

Everton forward Richarlison could be switched from his regular position on the wing and be deployed as a striker in Saturday’s Premier League game against promoted Fulham, manager Marco Silva said on Friday.

Richarlison has added pace and power to Everton’s attack since joining them from Watford in the close season, scoring three league goals in four games.

He struck twice on his first international start for Brazil to seal a 5-0 friendly win over El Salvador this month to leave Silva mulling the new role for the 21-year-old.

“He could be one of the strikers. It is possible, everything is possible. This week I can tell you he worked some moments as a striker. It is up to me to decide tomorrow,” Silva told a news conference.

“We have Dominic (Calvert-Lewin), Oumar (Niasse) and Cenk (Tosun) and Richarlison can play there as well. It is something he already did with me.”

Silva said he had been pleased with Richarlison’s contributions in his current position.

“What I know, is he performs well where he is playing, on the sides on left or right – he can perform well on the sides.”

Colombia international Yerry Mina must wait to make his debut for the club after suffering an injury in training.

“Yerry Mina suffered a stamp in training. It was painful yesterday and today but we hope next week he will be training. It’s nothing serious,” Silva added.

Everton are 12th in the league with six points, three places above Fulham.