Richards earns Sven praise
20 Aug 2007 - 07:21:11
Manchester City defender Micah Richards earned high praise from manager Sven-Goran Eriksson following his five-star display in the 1-0 win over Manchester United.
The 19-year-old England international formed a rock-solid partnership with Citizens skipper Richard Dunne to thwart the Red Devils, who enjoyed the majority of the possession and chances at Eastlands.
Eriksson said after the game: "It is important to remember this young man is 19.
"I don't remember having a defender that strong and that quick at any age. That is a combination that is very rare indeed.
"He wins everything in the air and can fight with any centre-forward and then, if he makes a mistake, he has the speed to repair it.
"His pace is incredible. At 19, you just don't see that."
Richards started his City career at right-back, but has been moved into a more central role since former England head coach Eriksson took charge in the summer.
