A player leaving a club can create uncertainty in the starting lineup, but it can also show a manager’s confidence in the options available. For Crystal Palace, that’s one way to look at things after Joachim Anderson returned to Fulham, where he was on loan for the 2020-21 season. In some ways, it’s a loss for the Eagles. In others, it’s a huge opportunity for American centre-back Chris Richards.
Richards joined Palace from Bayern Munich at the start of the 2022-23 season, but injuries and squad depth meant it took almost a season for him to become Oliver Glasner’s first-choice player. Now in his third season at the club, Richards’ performances will be key to Palace’s defensive fortunes.
Experienced across the defence and midfield, Richards is only 24 but there is not much he has not seen in the game. At the end of last season, Richards talked about how Palace’s mentality had changed under Glasner and it showed in his play. It may have been a disappointing summer for Richards as the United States were knocked out of the Copa America at the group stage, but it was another moment of growth.
Richards is now the first choice centre-back for club and country and will have expectations attached to him. It’s not that he can’t manage, but it shows the growth he’s had since joining Crystal Palace. With Newcastle United chasing Marc Guehi, Richards could be the heart of the Palace defence and that would be a big achievement.
A lot will depend on his performance this weekend as Crystal Palace take on a new-look West Ham United side. Potential new USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino will be keeping a close eye on Richards in a matchup that could see him come up against new West Ham striker Niclas Fullkrug, putting his strength to the test.
In the Premier League, there are clashes like this every week, and they are moments for young players to develop. As Richards continues to grow and gain confidence, his importance grows by the day, and there is no limit to how high he can go to take Crystal Palace.
