The performances of Micah Richards since breaking into the first team would perplex even those who've seen it all at City. Bursting into the side four years ago, against the Gooners as it happens, his early form and presence made a huge difference to the side, both in defence and going forwards. A goal at Villa Park, and the interview that followed earned him more national attention, and he went on to pick up the Young Player of the Year.That season also saw him captain the Academy side to the FA Youth Cup Final, and soon after other Premier League clubs began to be regularly linked with his signature, with figures as high as £20m being mentioned in the press. At that time we could have well done with the cash, but the impetus the player brought to the side, along with another youth team graduate, Joey Barton, was too much to lose, as much as the sensible business decision might've been to cash in.
After only three appearances for the under-21 side, Richards received his first full call-up in late 2006, becoming the country's youngest ever capped defender in the absence of Gary Neville. At this point he looked pretty unplayable (in a good way!), the build and strength of an established centre-half, yet the pace of a winger, he seemed certain to go on to earn many caps after excelling there for nine of his eleven.
During his third season in the senior squad, he made the switch to centre-half, as many had expected with the loss of Sylvain Distin. Initially it looked like a pretty effortless move, and he and Richard Dunne formed quite a good partnership, resulting in him winning a Player of the Month award and, and for a short while inheriting the captaincy. In February of 2008, and just after signing a new deal, Richards picked up an injury that ruled him out for four months and the rest of that campaign.
Since then, for whatever reason, he's never looked like the same player. Reasons for that aren't really known. The new manager coming in could have had some effect, the two have had words and we can't really blame Micah for having a poor last season when in truth every defender on our books did. Fans had their own theory. The player did and still does look bulkier, whether that's down to too little CV and too much time spent polishing his guns, i'm not so sure. Between the late teens and early twenties lads will probably grow at their optimum rate, i certainly wouldn't say he was overweight!
Whatever the truth, be it a decrease in fitness, too little defensive training, an unsettled back five, knocks to his confidence, or simply the trappings of such a prestigious living going to his head, Richards has looked well below par for some time. From being England's first choice right-back he now finds himself not even in Capello's thoughts and the basics of his game have seemed shot. It's proved especially disappointing given that that position is still the national team's most troublesome. Glen Johnson, though brilliant going forward, can't defend to save his life. With a good run he could quite easily regain his place when the other options are so sparse.
I'm not going to get too carried away, but his performance against Arsenal was promising, perhaps his best in a year, even longer, and odd signs are that he's making progress (though against Wolves and Palace he didn't really cover himself in glory). Arsenal's lack of a natural wide player probably had some impact, we wouldn't deny that, but it was a marked improvement. He was still caught out on occasion, people did get in behind him, but we certainly had glimpses of the old Micah Richards and i hope he can push on from here. There's no reason he can't, especially with Toure to his left and a winger in SWP who will help him out.
Maybe we expected too much, too soon from the boy. He's not helped himself, he was responsible for so many of the goals we conceded last year, either from not blocking crosses, being caught out of position, or being heavy-handed in the penalty area. I've never hid the fact that i'd prefer Zabaleta in the role, but i respect the manager's call. There's probably a lot of work needed, but he's got a real opportunity to play regularly for both a club who should go on to appear in Europe and of playing in a World Cup for his country. I hope he can keep his head down and refind his fantastic early form. If he can, we've got a real asset, and so might England. The hard work starts here.
Posts
It amazing what a bout of swine flu can do
ReplyDeletei'm hopeing to catch swine flu for the same reason!
ReplyDeleteI think micah can have the england role wrapped up. Glen johnson plays like a winger but cant defend for toffee (perhaps not the best phrase to use) Richards is a top defender, if he concrentrates on his game and grows in confidence we will see the him back to his best, past couple of games he has improved greatly. With a more assured back line, he is in the best position to do so! Capello will pick him if his defending is up to standard! He doesnt have to be a wingback!
Your analysis isn't too bad, and pretty much reflects what I thought. Except that I could see that he was never a central defender, although many were waxing lyrical about his performances there.
ReplyDeleteWhat you've neglected to mention - obviously a minor oversight in your otherwise capable analysis, is 'The Great Left Back Experiment'. We were leaking goals down the left for the first half of the season. Ball, Tal Ben Haim and Garrido had been tried and found wanting. So Micah was thrown in there for a couple of disastrous appearances. OK, he tried, he did his best, but those two matches wrecked his confidence for the rest of the season. No need to hurry back became his watchword - 'someone will cover, and whatever happens won't be my fault'.
Having wrecked his self belief, Mark Hughes then proceeded to play him through it. In fact, Pablo Zabaleta had proved himself to be just as good (and definitely better than Micah in 'can't be bothered' mode), with an extra string to his bow in that he was an excellent midfielder.
You can make up your own mind as to the damage that was done to the team last season, and also whether Zabaleta's exclusion has been fair or not. But you're right - Micah is showing signs of being bothered again. Better late than never, but he is finally doing what he's been paid to do. Let's hope no more distractions get in the way.