‘Looks a good buy’ – Crystal Palace defender makes Garth Crooks’ Team of the Week

Chris Richards has been included in Garth Crooks’ Team of the Week for his performance in Crystal Palace’s goalless draw with Newcastle United on Saturday.

The American centre-back made eight clearances – a match-high – won 100 per cent of his tackles and completed three blocks against the Magpies.

Richards signed a five-year deal with the Eagles in the summer after they agreed a fee in the region of £10million with Bayern Munich.

The 22-year-old, who was making his second Premier League start under Patrick Vieira, won three Bundesliga titles during his time at the Allianz Arena.

Richards has been named in the starting line-up since Joachim Andersen suffered a calf injury in the 1-0 defeat at Chelsea.

Writing on the BBC website, Crooks said: “Newcastle United have had an amazing run these past few weeks and really should have won at Crystal Palace when you consider the chances they had. 

“One of the reasons Eddie Howe’s new-look team didn’t snatch all three points was because of the performance of the Eagles’ central defender Chris Richards.

“For a fee of £10m from Bayern Munich, the United States international looks a good buy on his past two showings. He was equally impressive against Manchester United in midweek and has given Patrick Vieira’s team a real boost in defence.”

Crooks’ full team of the week included Emiliano Martinez, Richards, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Thiago Silva, Cristian Romero, Jarrod Bowen, Bukayo Saka, Thomas Partey, Erling Haaland, Eddie Nketiah and Harry Kane.

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD