USMNT centre-back Chris Richards continues his rise in the Premier League after being named Crystal Palace’s Player of the Month in January.
Up-and-coming US centre-back Chris Richards continues his surge in the Premier League by winning Crystal Palace’s Player of the Month award for January.
Richards, 22, joined the Eagles in the summer of 2022 but struggled to find a starting spot in the first half of the season.
He also missed the World Cup in Qatar due to injury and appeared to be down the pecking order in south London until the injury to Joachim Andersen earlier this month.
Chris Richards (right) leaves the field after Crystal Palace draw with Manchester United
Richards (right) shines with the Eagles after earning a spot in the starting lineup
Richards was then given the opportunity to prove himself at the heart of defense and immediately shone in the starting XI against Manchester United and Newcastle in Palace’s final two games.
Despite only appearing in two of the team’s five games, he played 90 minutes in both matches, ending in a draw, and was named Player of the Month.
Speaking to Palace TV about the award, he said: “The first two are starting this month and it means a lot to the fans to vote for Player of the Month.
“I was a little nervous at my first start against a team like Manchester United, but I think I did really well and managed to maintain myself.
Richards hopes his excellent club form will help him earn a place in the USMNT starting XI.
“It’s good to learn [Marc Guehi], It’s the same age, but it feels like it’s a lot of experience. It’s good to learn from him, play with him, and consolidate our relationship.
‘[The Premier League is] Competitiveness. Every team has top players, bottom or top of the league.Bring your A game every time and focus on 90+ [minutes].’
Richards won the race ahead of Michael Orise with 53.9% of the vote.
The Alabama-born defender hopes to maintain his place in the Palace defense and earn a starting spot for the USMNT in the coming months.
