Richarlison scores for Tottenham Under-21s as Cotterill praises his attitude

Steve Cotterill praised Richarlison after the forward scored on his return to competitive action with Tottenham Under-21s. Cheltenham Town eventually won the EFL Trophy group-stage match on penalties, following a 2-2 draw. The appearance gave the Brazilian a rare chance to play after he was left out of Roberto De Zerbi’s first-team squad.

Richarlison scored Tottenham’s equaliser, turning in a cross from James Rowswell. He also converted his penalty, but Cheltenham prevailed 7-6 in the shoot-out. After the match, the forward shared how much he had enjoyed being back on the pitch: “Happy to do what I love most in life. I was missing it!”

Cotterill focused on the player’s commitment despite the circumstances of his selection. “I thought his attitude tonight was immaculate,” the Cheltenham manager said. Richarlison started Spurs’ opening-day defeat against Brentford, before De Zerbi later said the forward had “said too many times he wants to leave”.

Richarlison’s future at Tottenham remains uncertain. A move back to Everton did not materialise before the transfer deadline, while possible switches to Trabzonspor and Vasco da Gama also came to nothing. Tottenham have excluded him from their Premier League setup, making regular senior appearances unlikely before the January window. His goal was a positive personal moment, but it did not resolve the uncertainty over what comes next.