Richarlison has been one of the Premier League's surprises of the season at high-flying Watford. Nick Wright, of Sky Sports, assesses the Brazilian's impact ahead of their meeting with Chelsea.
The Hornets head to Stamford Bridge a place and two points above their hosts, and no player has been more important to the Marco Silva revolution than Richarlison.
Go-to guy
He won a penalty in the win over Arsenal that took them into the top four, and following stoppage-time goals against Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion, Richarlison has single-handedly won three points for his new side.
Richarlison only turned 20 in May but any doubts about how he might adapt to his new surroundings since moving from Fluminense have evaporated swiftly.
Since coming off the bench to help Watford snatch a draw against Liverpool in Matchweek 1, he has become a fixture on their left wing, playing 620 of a possible 630 minutes.
Richarlison's speed, power and skill are perfectly suited to English football and Silva has deliberately engineered his side to maximise his impact. Forty-one per cent of Watford's attacks have come down their left flank; the highest ratio of any Premier League team this season.
His three goals and one assist are the standout numbers so far but Richarlison has a broad array of strengths.
As well as making more dribbles and taking more shots than any of his team-mates, he has also won the most aerial duels. His headed equaliser against West Brom exemplified his threat from set-pieces.
Esteemed company
Richarlison gives Watford width on the left but he also loves to cut inside and use his favoured right foot.
The stats show he has already had 53 touches in the opposition box. It puts him above Romelu Lukaku and Sergio Aguero and behind only Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane.
Most touches in opp. box 2017/18
| Player | Club | Touches |
|---|---|---|
| Raheem Sterling | MCI | 63 |
| Harry Kane | TOT | 61 |
| Richarlison | WAT | 53 |
| Mohamed Salah | LIV | 49 |
| Romelu Lukaku | MUN | 47 |
| Sergio Aguero | MCI | 47 |
Richarlison is Watford's attacking spark but for a side who average less than 50% possession, and for a coach whose playing style is energetic and aggressive, he is also required to work hard defensively.
The Brazilian has excelled in that regard. He may not have scored or assisted in the 2-0 win over Southampton back in September but he did make eight tackles - the second most by any player in a Premier League match all season.
There is no doubt that Richarlison will be central to Silva's plans at the home of the champions on Saturday.