Everton star Bernard believes ‘fearless’ pal Richarlison can back up bold words against Van Dijk in Merseyside derby
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BERNARD believes fearless Richarlison can cope with "any scenario" - and that means taking on an angry Virgil van Dijk on Sunday evening.
Everton forward Richarlison lit the blue touch paper ahead of the Merseyside derby by claiming the Liverpool man was not one of the world's top three centre-backs.
The Brazilian claimed: "For me there are better defenders. I’ve already dribbled past him."
Those words will not have gone unnoticed at Anfield but Bernard is convinced his fellow Brazilian could back up his bold words on the Goodison pitch.
The winger said: “Richi is capable of adapting to any scenario during a match. He's the type of player who's really aggressive in the box.
“He's fearless and not scared of putting himself about or taking a whack. Whatever is happening, the important thing for him is putting the ball in the back of the net.
“This makes him who he is, a player with a massive presence in the box."
The Toffees spent £35million on Richarlison in 2018 when Marco Silva was boss.
Current gaffer Carlo Ancelotti switched the former Watford man, 23, to a central striking role this term and has so far been rewarded with 12 goals.
Bernard added: “He is still developing. When you look at him he's still so young to be doing what he is in the Premier League.
“I am certain he will mature and become an even better player, not just in the way he plays but also in the way he understands and reads the game.”
The game will be played behind closed doors at Goodison Park after plans to use a neutral venue were shelved.
Bernard said: “It is good we can play at Goodison but I'd be even more pleased if we were able to have our fans there.
"It's important for them to stay safe at home, though.
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“It’s a delicate situation coming back after the pandemic. But the game being a derby is an additional motivator for me and, I believe, all the players.
“We need to look after ourselves, be dedicated and as prepared as possible for a tough, intense game.
"It will also be a happy occasion because of this opportunity to play again at Goodison Park."