.A. said:The problem Richards has is Fiorentina play a 3-5-2; being a good attacking fullback doesn't mean you can play wingback, as Luke Shaw has discovered at United, in the same way technically accomplished defenders sometimes look out of their depth in midfield.
His issue was not being given enough time to get himself match fit last season; despite Pellegrini lying about their injury status, Rodwell and Richards were inactive last season purely down to a lack of interest in reintegrating them, and have both struggled to rediscover their rhythm at their new clubs. It's a shame because Richards had no qualms about playing as Zabaleta's understudy as long as he was given reasonable game time. Instead he wasn't, Zabaleta is burnt out, and the guy we got to replace him is only here for the money.
Both of our leftbacks are mediocre, and one of Zaba's finest displays in our shirt came on the left against Arsenal a few years back, so we could have brought Micah in for certain games with Pablo on the other side. Instead we signed the epitome of a mercenary, a guy who'd rather spend the final few years of his career sat behind the best right back in Europe for a pay rise than be first choice at a very good club in Arsenal, not to mention the loss of a vital HG player.
Ideally we'd extend Micah's contract on the condition that he'll be loaned out until the blatantly anti-Anglo Pellegrini leaves, with a view to a chance to impress our next manager. He loves the club, and when fit was a real asset to us. Sadly, that won't be the case, but luckily Maffeo looks like he will become a very good understudy and eventual successor to Zab.
A minus....A. said:The problem Richards has is Fiorentina play a 3-5-2; being a good attacking fullback doesn't mean you can play wingback, as Luke Shaw has discovered at United, in the same way technically accomplished defenders sometimes look out of their depth in midfield.
His issue was not being given enough time to get himself match fit last season; despite Pellegrini lying about their injury status, Rodwell and Richards were inactive last season purely down to a lack of interest in reintegrating them, and have both struggled to rediscover their rhythm at their new clubs. It's a shame because Richards had no qualms about playing as Zabaleta's understudy as long as he was given reasonable game time. Instead he wasn't, Zabaleta is burnt out, and the guy we got to replace him is only here for the money.
Both of our leftbacks are mediocre, and one of Zaba's finest displays in our shirt came on the left against Arsenal a few years back, so we could have brought Micah in for certain games with Pablo on the other side. Instead we signed the epitome of a mercenary, a guy who'd rather spend the final few years of his career sat behind the best right back in Europe for a pay rise than be first choice at a very good club in Arsenal, not to mention the loss of a vital HG player.
Ideally we'd extend Micah's contract on the condition that he'll be loaned out until the blatantly anti-Anglo Pellegrini leaves, with a view to a chance to impress our next manager. He loves the club, and when fit was a real asset to us. Sadly, that won't be the case, but luckily Maffeo looks like he will become a very good understudy and eventual successor to Zab.
FantasyIreland said:Neville Kneville said:Zabs is a true hero, but his performances for a large part of this season, are not better than Micah Richards. Include yesterday in that.
If that had been Micah, he would have been crucified on here.
It wouldn't have been Micah though Nev,as he'd have been injured.....
peter.evans said:.A. said:The problem Richards has is Fiorentina play a 3-5-2; being a good attacking fullback doesn't mean you can play wingback, as Luke Shaw has discovered at United, in the same way technically accomplished defenders sometimes look out of their depth in midfield.
His issue was not being given enough time to get himself match fit last season; despite Pellegrini lying about their injury status, Rodwell and Richards were inactive last season purely down to a lack of interest in reintegrating them, and have both struggled to rediscover their rhythm at their new clubs. It's a shame because Richards had no qualms about playing as Zabaleta's understudy as long as he was given reasonable game time. Instead he wasn't, Zabaleta is burnt out, and the guy we got to replace him is only here for the money.
Both of our leftbacks are mediocre, and one of Zaba's finest displays in our shirt came on the left against Arsenal a few years back, so we could have brought Micah in for certain games with Pablo on the other side. Instead we signed the epitome of a mercenary, a guy who'd rather spend the final few years of his career sat behind the best right back in Europe for a pay rise than be first choice at a very good club in Arsenal, not to mention the loss of a vital HG player.
Ideally we'd extend Micah's contract on the condition that he'll be loaned out until the blatantly anti-Anglo Pellegrini leaves, with a view to a chance to impress our next manager. He loves the club, and when fit was a real asset to us. Sadly, that won't be the case, but luckily Maffeo looks like he will become a very good understudy and eventual successor to Zab.
Richards simply is not good enough. He has and always will be an average premier league defender at best. Worse still he appeared in less than 40% of our premier league fixtures over his last five years due to injury. All of our four full backs are light years ahead in terms of intelligence, technical skill and awareness.
Richards is not better than sagna in this moment in time.Cheadle_hulmeBlue said:peter.evans said:.A. said:The problem Richards has is Fiorentina play a 3-5-2; being a good attacking fullback doesn't mean you can play wingback, as Luke Shaw has discovered at United, in the same way technically accomplished defenders sometimes look out of their depth in midfield.
His issue was not being given enough time to get himself match fit last season; despite Pellegrini lying about their injury status, Rodwell and Richards were inactive last season purely down to a lack of interest in reintegrating them, and have both struggled to rediscover their rhythm at their new clubs. It's a shame because Richards had no qualms about playing as Zabaleta's understudy as long as he was given reasonable game time. Instead he wasn't, Zabaleta is burnt out, and the guy we got to replace him is only here for the money.
Both of our leftbacks are mediocre, and one of Zaba's finest displays in our shirt came on the left against Arsenal a few years back, so we could have brought Micah in for certain games with Pablo on the other side. Instead we signed the epitome of a mercenary, a guy who'd rather spend the final few years of his career sat behind the best right back in Europe for a pay rise than be first choice at a very good club in Arsenal, not to mention the loss of a vital HG player.
Ideally we'd extend Micah's contract on the condition that he'll be loaned out until the blatantly anti-Anglo Pellegrini leaves, with a view to a chance to impress our next manager. He loves the club, and when fit was a real asset to us. Sadly, that won't be the case, but luckily Maffeo looks like he will become a very good understudy and eventual successor to Zab.
Richards simply is not good enough. He has and always will be an average premier league defender at best. Worse still he appeared in less than 40% of our premier league fixtures over his last five years due to injury. All of our four full backs are light years ahead in terms of intelligence, technical skill and awareness.
load of rubbish. He was our best rb in our first title win, injuries and lack of game time stopped him. We could do with him now as he's better than sagna and zaba is looking tired
loan or buy?shemnel said:Off to Inter if the BBC is to be believed, which seems to be a very quick turnaround? Report says only if MCFC approve doing all the paperwork by 11pm.
bluechampion7891 said:loan or buy?shemnel said:Off to Inter if the BBC is to be believed, which seems to be a very quick turnaround? Report says only if MCFC approve doing all the paperwork by 11pm.