“Put His Head Where Other People Put Their Foot” – Patrick Vieira Heaps Massive Praise on USMNT Superstar After Impressing Against Manchester United

Published 02/10/2023, 5:45 AM EST

The talent pool coming out of USMNT is just remarkable. If you look at the squad’s average age, it is just 25. By the time the 2026 World Cup hits, the team will go all guns blazing. And one player who is instrumental to their success is soccer player Chris Richards. Significantly, the Crystal Palace defender caught the eye after his talismanic performances against English Premier League side Manchester United. Patrick Vieira, the coach of Palace, seems impressed.

"He's a Proper Defender."@OfficialVieira with high praise for Alabama's own, @eastmamba
Roll Tide. 🐘
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) February 10, 2023

Article continues below this ad

In a recent interview with Men in Blazers, Viera recalled the time he struggled but later gathered pace. Now he is a proper defender who loves to commit to the fullest.

Patrick Vieira is in complete praise for the USMNT star!

In the interview, Vieira mentioned, “He had a couple of stepbacks. But now, he’s really in a good place. He’s been training with the first team for, last 6-7 weeks. And he had those two games that he played and he showed all his potential. He will put his head where other people put their foot. He’s a proper defender.”

Similarly, Vieira, during his hay days, always went in for games with a fire in his belly. Never afraid to put his head in, he became a key player for Arsenal in the midfield, pushing them to unparalleled heights. The influence showcased during the 2003/2004 Invincible season lives long enough in every Gunner.

VIDEO: USMNT Star Chris Richards Crashes CPFC Cheerleaders During Their TikTok Routine

Thus, he loves proper defenders who can put their bodies on the line, and Richards aims to be the key man for Palace. Sky is the limit if you look at the USMNT legend’s trajectory.

Article continues below this ad

Chris Richards- The next big thing?

Focusing on ball-playing defenders, Vieira has two able defenders in his kitty. Joachim Andersen and Chris Richards have the hallmarks of becoming a solid pair for the club. While fans are familiar with Anderson’s progressive passes from the back, Richards showcases similar traits from the back. He is composed on the ball and is two-footed, a rare trait for soccer players. Peeping into his stats, he averages 1.88 tackles, 1.88 interceptions, and 1.88 blocks per 90. In addition, he clears the ball 4.94 times and is aerially strong having 2.39 duels won per 90.

Article continues below this ad

The club lies 12th in the English Premier League standings. However, the 22-year-old provided a fantastic display against Manchester United in Selhurst Park, exciting both the USMNT and Crystal Palace fans at the prospect of a talented young brave defender who aims to become the benchmark for the defense of both his club and country. Time will tell whether he lives up to it.

WATCH THIS STORY- Meet the Legendary Tennis Player Who is 3x Richer than Cristiano Ronaldo

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Jacob Gijy is a US Sports and NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Gijy finished his Post Graduation in Psychology and worked in a hospital for 2 years before his passion for sports compelled him to find his way to sports journalism. A fan of the great Tim Duncan, he is always ready to pick up a debate with anyone who does not offer the power forward, the respect he deserves.

Edited by:

Sreeda U M

“Put His Head Where Other People Put Their Foot” – Patrick Vieira Heaps Massive Praise on USMNT Superstar After Impressing Against Manchester United

Patrick Vieira is in complete praise for the USMNT star!

Trending

Erling Haaland Injury Update- Expected Return Date & How Many Games Will He Miss For Manchester City?

Who is Cristiano Ronaldo’s Eldest Son Cristiano Jr’s Biological Mother?

Injured Erling Haaland Drops 2-Word Reaction to Manchester City’s History-Making Win Over Brighton

Despite Owning $15,000,000 Private Jet, Lionel Messi Jets Off in Economy With Inter Miami After ‘Quieter Life’ Revelation

Ryan Reynolds Ready to Shatter Club Record to Sign Paul Mullin Conquerer as Wrexham Plan League One Roster

Chris Richards- The next big thing?