It’s never too late in the season to acknowledge an impressive Dream Team performer.
Everton’s primary focus right now is avoiding relegation and if they do swerve the drop then their fans will surely herald Richarlison’s (£4.0m) efforts.
The Brazilian has scored five goals and provided two assists in his last nine outings to steer the Toffees to the brink of safety.
At this stage it seems more likely that either Leeds or Burnley will join Norwich and Watford in the Championship next season.
Richarlison’s fruitful form has translated to impressive Dream Team returns.
The 25-year-old has produced 52 points over the course of the last seven Game Weeks.
For comparison, the most-popular player in the game and leading performer, Mohamed Salah (£7.4m), has banked 40 points in the same time frame.
This is notable given the Egyptian appears in 62.2% of teams whereas Richarlison’s current ownership is 1.7%.
Frank Lampard’s side capitulated at Goodison Park on Sunday, eventually losing 3-2 to Brentford after leading twice.
Jarrad Branthwaite and Salomon Rondon (£1.8m) were both sent off as the Merseyside club lost their 20th league game of the campaign.
Despite the disappointing result, Richarlison added ten points to his tally by virtue of a goal, an assist and a 7+ rating.
Initially it looked as if he had scored the game’s opening goal but replays showed Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£3.5m) got a faint final touch.
The slim minority of Dream Team bosses who have backed Everton’s No7 in recent weeks have been handsomely rewarded.
Realistically, it’s probably too late for gaffers to jump aboard as a transfer won’t go through until Friday, after which Richarlison’s only remaining fixture will be a trip to Arsenal.
Given that the Gunners will be pushing for Champions League qualification, that can hardly be considered a favourable match-up to target.
There is speculation that Richarlison may seek a move away from Everton this summer.
It would be interesting to see what returns he could supply for top-six team with European fixtures to bolster his schedule.
This season, he’s scored nine goals and provided five assists in the Premier League – he averages a goal involvement every 174 minutes – representing a team that have generally been dysfunctional.
If he can achieve 102 Dream Team points (and counting) for a relegation-threatened team then it seems logical he has the potential to be a top-ten asset in his position if placed among a more successful team.
Only time will tell.