Adrian Mariappa has heaped further praise of Richarlison after the winger’s game-changing second half display against Arsenal.

The Brazilian won a vital spot-kick in the 71st minute, which allowed Troy Deeney to level the scores before Tom Cleverley sealed a famous 2-1 win with an injury time strike.

It was the latest in a growing list of telling contributions from the 20-year-old who has scored three times in the Premier League already this term, and Mariappa is suitably impressed.

He said: “You look at him and it is refreshing because he is young and plays with a lot of freedom. He has aggression, quality and has got everything really.

“Off the pitch, he is still such a nice kid and that is why everyone warms to him so much and he is so important for the team.”

While the youthful Richarlison may have won the penalty, it was an experienced head who converted it as Deeney notched his first goal of the season.

The captain has been in and out of the team this season, with Marco Silva frequently opting to start record signing Andre Gray ahead of the number nine.

Deeney’s impact from the bench on Saturday is evidence, Mariappa argues, of the competition for places at Vicarage Road which is helping to power their campaign.

“There is competition for places here and we have real strength in depth in the squad,” Mariappa said.

“I am delighted for Troy because he came on and got the goal. It wasn’t just the goal and you saw how he affected the game and really put us in the ascendency.

“Full marks to him and that is what you want from players, wither coming from the bench or when they start.”