Moyes warns Richarlison to expect a kicking if he repeats ball-juggling antics
DAVID MOYES warned Richarlison to expect a kicking if he continues his ball-juggling antics.
Tottenham forward Richarlison was poleaxed by Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson after some keepy-uppys late on in Sunday’s 2-0 win at the City Ground.
The £50million striker has since faced heavy criticism, including from Forest manager Steve Cooper and pundit Jamie Carragher.
Johnson’s dad David even tweeted post-match: “No one comes to the City Ground and takes the p***.”
Showboating in games is seen as disrespectful — although Spurs chief Antonio Conte defended his man, who got a double dose of pain when Neco Williams landed on him after Johnson’s hefty lunge.
And as West Ham prepare to welcome Richarlison and Tottenham to the London Stadium on Wednesday night, Moyes says his players will not let the Brazilian get off lightly with a repeat offence.
Asked if there was room in the game for ball juggling, boss Moyes said: “No, I don’t think there is.
“I think football in all countries, there’s no room for ball juggling, whether it is in this one or any other ones, or whether it be in non-league or the Premier League.
“If you are talented enough to do that, you need to be strong enough to take the hits.”
Conte’s Spurs are certainly able to roll with the punches, with the Italian praised for making them a ‘nasty’ side to face.
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Moyes admitted: “They are a tough team to play against.
“There will be teams who play in a different style completely and that’s why we should never be judging one way or the other.”
West Ham picked up their first points and scored their first goal of the season in Sunday’s 1-0 win away at Aston Villa, having lost their opening three Premier League matches of the campaign.
This summer has seen the East Londoners make eight signings, spending nearly £160m, with the latest being the £36.5m capture of Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta from Lyon.
Paqueta, 25, is unlikely to be available against Spurs after only sorting his visa yesterday — but Moyes believes this is a “gateway” purchase for the club.
The Scot explained: “If Paqueta plays well here, I think it will be a big, big thing for us.
“It will send out a message in Brazil that this is a good place to come.
“We don’t really get the best young ones, the models like Manchester City have.
“But maybe we’ll become more attractive because Brazil as a nation will be watching.”
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