Richarlison may be on a 20-game scoreless run, but Javi Gracia believes the Brazilian has the qualities to play as an out-and-out striker.

The 20-year-old played the role on Sunday against Arsenal, twice going close to ending his barren streak as he struck the post from a free-kick and forced a good save from Petr Cech with a header.

He has largely operated in a wide left role, but, with Gracia open to playing with two forwards, the Watford boss feels Richarlison can be a useful asset as a centre-forward.

Gracia said: “He can play in either situation and play well. With his qualities, I think he can help us on the left side, right side and up front.”

Gracia’s belief that Richarlison can play as a traditional forward gives him a further option in an attack which Gracia has been open to altering both before and during games.

Troy Deeney has been his favoured front man and Stefano Okaka looks back to his muscular best, while club record signing Andre Gray has rarely featured under the Spaniard.

Gracia has also opted to give Jerome Sinclair a chance in match day squads and he feels the 21-year-old is working hard to earn a starting berth further down the line.

He said: “He’s working very well. I thought he deserved to come with the team and, OK, at the moment he doesn’t enjoy minutes but in the future, maybe he will have an opportunity.”