Two Tottenham Hotspur players have made it to Troy Deeney’s Premier League Team of the Week after their starring roles in the 3-0 victory over Burnley.
Tottenham Hotspur kicked off their 2025/26 Premier League campaign with a 3-0 win over Burnley at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. It was Thomas Frank’s first league game in charge of Spurs and came just two days after the narrow Super Cup defeat to Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.
There were no signs of fatigue though, as Richarlison opened the scoring after just ten minutes, finishing off a perfect cross from debutant Mohammed Kudus. The Brazilian forward then doubled Tottenham’s lead with a stunning scissor kick, again assisted by Kudus, before Brennan Johnson sealed the win later in the second half.
The Tottenham front line was a delight to watch, drawing praise from Harry Redknapp, Burnley boss Scott Parker and of course Frank himself.
Tottenham duo Richarlison and Mohammed Kudus win Troy Deeney’s praise
Following their impressive displays, both Richarlison and Mohammed Kudus were named in Deeney’s XI. Writing in his BBC Sport column, the former Watford striker explained why he opted for Richarlison ahead of other strikers who also scored braces at the weekend.
“In the middle I could have gone for Wood (Nottingham Forest) but chose not to, and I could have gone for Haaland (Manchester City) but I chose not to. I chose to go with Richarlison at Tottenham.
“He has had a really tough start with injuries, but Thomas Frank decided to start with him over Dominic Solanke and Richarlison repaid him with two wonderful goals. Really good link-up play, great running in behind. It’s a World Cup year and that could be the catalyst for him to really kick on.”
Kudus also caught Deeney’s eye on his first league outing in a Spurs shirt. He wrote: “Up front, Kudus was excellent for Spurs on that right side. He just looks like he had a new lease of life. He has gone into a Spurs team that needs him to play well and he looks like he will grow exceptionally with this team.”
Troy Deeney’s changing stance on Richarlison
What makes Deeney’s recognition all the more interesting is that he has not always spoken highly about Richarlison. Having played alongside him at Watford for one season, Deeney praised the forward’s warrior-like mentality back then, recalling how he once went 18 months without a proper break. But he has also been vocal about his concerns since the Brazilian’s move to north London.
Six months ago, Deeney suggested that Richarlison had gone soft at Spurs, pointing to his repeated injuries, the club’s world-class facilities and what he felt was a “comfortable culture.”
The striker later even went on to warn Everton against re-signing Richarlison this summer, claiming that the hunger he once showed at Watford and Everton had faded.
The major concern surrounding Richarlison has undoubtedly been his fitness. Since arriving at Tottenham, he has spent 377 days sidelined through injury since joining Spurs, missing 58 matches in total.
When available, however, the Brazilian has consistently delivered. During last season’s Europa League triumph, he was often asked to operate in unfamiliar positions but still produced decisive moments when the team needed him most.
If Tottenham can manage his fitness more effectively, Richarlison has the ability to establish himself as one of the most competitive number nines in European football.
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