Personification of the modern defender. Quick, athletic and comfortable on the ball, Richards is a future England regular
One of the brightest homegrown prospects in years, the versatile defender has greatly impressed since his first-team debut for City at 18.
Comfortable and commanding in the centre or on the right side of the defence, Richards looks mature beyond his years and it was no shock when he was blooded by England against Holland in August 2006, becoming the Three Lions’ youngest international defender.
Runner-up to Steven Gerrard in the FA’s poll of England Player of the Year for 2007/08, he signed a new five-and-a-half year deal in February and is an integral part of long-term plans for club and country.