Perhaps this early burst of promise was detrimental to Richards career, as it may have led to complacency and laziness to set in. Over the next three years he seemingly lost his way by delivering wayward and lackluster performances, and there was genuine fears he may never live up to his undoubted potential. There is one story from this dark period in Richards career that resonates. It is when Richards expressed his desire to Patrick Viera to be one of the world’s best players, to which Viera responded with an incredulous look and this scathing observation ` how can you expect to be one of the world’s best players when you are the last to arrive to training and the first to leave`.
We cannot say for certain the effect this experience had on Richards but it may have been a contributing factor in his footballing epiphany. Richards by his own admission realised he had to up his dedication and work rate or risk being cast adrift of the Man City ship.
His career is now back on the straight and narrow and he has firmly established himself as City’s first choice right back. It was laudable of Capello to test Smalling and Jones in the right back position; both represent what Richards was a few years ago, defenders full of promise but as yet unpolished diamonds. Richards is much further down the development line and understands better the subtleties and nuances of the full back position. In any case Jones and Smalling future lies in the centre back role, with Martin Kelly a better pick than both at right back.
Glen Johnson’s return from injury is timely but Capello would be unwise throw him back in the starting XI without hesitation. Johnson is the country’s finest attacking full back by the dint of his quick feet and ability to glide past players and shoot, but despite improving defensively question marks still remain. At his moment in time it is Richards who represents the most complete English right back. Some say Capello`s fabled intransigence and single mindedness has softened since the World Cup, Richards stellar form will test that theory. By Capello`s own creed, Richards should start in next months friendly against Spain, whether that is the case remains to be seen.
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