Chris Richards’ sixth Premier League start for Crystal Palace arrived in somewhat unexpected territory: central midfield!
The 23-year-old United States international, who is more used to playing at centre-back or right-back, was handed the opportunity to adopt a new role in Palace’s 1-1 draw with West Ham United at London Stadium.
With Jeffrey Schlupp withdrawn from the matchday squad at a late point due to personal reasons, manager Roy Hodgson shuffled his pack and deployed Richards as a defensive midfielder – a position he briefly played as a late substitute in October’s draw with Nottingham Forest.
As on that occasion, Richards by-and-large impressed in his newfound role on Sunday, completing the second-most tackles (five), interceptions (two) and clearances (four) of any player on the pitch.
Manager Hodgson later said of his display: “He must be very pleased with his performance as a central midfield player, albeit that he is, by trade, more of a centre-half.”
Reflecting on his role, Richards told Palace TV: “I wasn’t expecting it, but I just want to be on the pitch – so whatever it takes!
“It was something! It was a bit more defensive than anything, so I enjoyed that aspect, but I just liked being on the pitch and getting a point.
“There’s a bit of similarity [to centre-back]. I’m just not used to the ball going over my head like that, so that was something that took a bit of getting used to, but I enjoyed it today.
“I was kind of surprised to play it, but I feel like I did pretty well.”
Richards was pleased to take a point away from London Stadium and make it five games in a row unbeaten in east London: “We’ve had an unfortunate last few games, but it’s always good to get a point, especially away from home.”
On goalscorer Odsonne Edouard, who was clinical with his chance early in the second-half, Richards added: “It’s always good to score and always good to have some as alert as that up top, so I think it brought a lot of confidence to us for the second-half.”
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