Richarlison: Thomas Frank lauds Brazilian's Tottenham commitment after impressive start to season | OneFootball

Former Everton and Watford man had been linked with a move away

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Thomas Frank was convinced by Richarlison's commitment to Tottenham on the first day of pre-season.

The Brazilian has been linked with a move away from north London over past 12 months, with strong interest from Saudi Arabia a year ago. Richarlison confirmed at the time there had been an offer that he turned down.

That speculation has continued into the current window and there were reports this week that Spurs were potentially willing to include Richarlison in a deal to bring Eberechi Eze to the club.

However, Frank started the 28-year-old against Paris Saint-Germain and Burnley and at his press conference on Friday again spoke of the important role Richarlison has to play, as long as the club can keep him fit.

“Day one he came in and knocked on my door and said ‘I want to stay'," Frank said.

"I said ‘Good, I like you, I think you’re a good player, perfect, let’s crack on’.

“He’s been working very hard, very committed, gym, on the pitch, he has trained every session. There was one game we took him out of because of the injury history.

“We know we need to be very aware of that to build him, thin layers, one step at a time, taking good decisions, do our best to try to take good decisions.

“But I see a very committed player.”

Richarlison scored a brace against Burnley, including a stunning scissor-kick, to continue his impressive run of form at the start of the season.

It has been a welcome boost to Frank with Dominic Solanke missing much of pre-season due to injury and the Spurs boss made it clear he wants Richarlison to be at the club when the transfer window shuts on September 1.

"Right now he's my starting nine," Frank said.

"Scored two fantastic goals, he had two top games, he's the Brazilian No9. He is a very good player so I'm very happy with him.

"Richy wants to stay, I want to keep him, there's been no talks about anything else. He's done well for us."