IN times of social lockdown, getting a haircut can be a problem. But it was easy for Everton striker Richarlison on Sunday.
His chosen style did not require much sophistication.
Richarlison showed off his Ronaldo tribute haircut while in quarantineCredit: Instagram
He shaved his head, leaving a clump at the front – an imitation of that bizarre haircut that the original Brazilian Ronaldo came up with in the course of his triumphant 2002 World Cup campaign, when he shrugged off his injury problems to spearhead his country’s charge to their fifth trophy.
Eighteen years and four World Cups later, it remains their last. Hence the fact that, with no live football on show, the nation sat down on Sunday afternoon to watch a rerun of the 2002 final, with Ronaldo helping himself to both goals in the 2-0 win over Germany.
NICE TRIM
Richarlison’s new haircut was one of the half time attractions. He did it as a tribute to his boyhood idol.
“Ronaldo is someone who has inspired me since I was a kid,” he told TV Globo.
“The moment that really left its mark on me was that second goal in the 2002 final, the one that he hit with the side of his foot.”
Richarlison was 5 years old when he watched that game. He is now less than a month from his 23rd birthday.
He is not quite in the same class as Ronaldo, who was a global phenomenon with Barcelona before he was 20.
At the same age, Richarlison was struggling in a Brazil Under-20 side that failed even to make it to the World Cup at the level that was eventually won by England.
The Brazilian star has won plaudits for his performances with EvertonCredit: PA:Press Association
STAR IN THE MAKING
He is making splendid progress, first shining with Watford and then doing so well with Everton that Barcelona have expressed an interest.
And, introduced to the national team just after the 2018 World Cup, he has plenty of reasons to look back with pride on his start with Brazil.
In 19 games he has six goals – an impressive record considering that more than half his appearances have come off the bench, and that the goals include a pressure penalty in last year’s Copa America final.
But the real hard work is only starting – or will get underway when the next set of South American World Cup qualifiers get underway.
The campaign was to have kicked off at the end of last month. The coronavirus pandemic has put things back to September – and when the ball does start rolling, Richarlison is in pole position to start in the centre forward position.
For Brazil Richarlison seems to have a big futureCredit: Rex Features
So far he has mostly featured in a wide role, cutting in towards goal, with Roberto Firmino in the middle.
But a run of bad results lead coach Tite to draw an obvious conclusion.
FUTURE AS A CENTRE FORWARD?
Firmino was not well suited to the role, and will probably now come into contention for a slightly deeper position.
In the last game, a friendly against South Korea in November, Richarlison played up front, and a run of five games without a win was brought to an end with a convincing 3-0 victory.
Since Roberto Firmino was dropped, Richarlison has filled in at centre forwardCredit: Getty Images – Getty
After copying iconic Brazil striker Ronaldo’s haircut, Richarlison will hope to emulate his heroCredit: Corbis – Getty
The team functioned much better. The centre forward position, then, should be Richarlison’s to lose.
He will be dreaming of plenty of chances to perform the ‘pigeon dance’ goal celebration.
It is his trademark – and if it ends up being half as iconic as Ronaldo’s 2002 haircut, it will mean that Richarlison will have made it into the gallery of Brazilian greats.
Everton turn down £85m Richarlison bid from Barcelona in staggering transfer rejection
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
