‘He’s been fantastic’ – Palace defender Marc Guehi on American international’s impact and Southgate call after England omission

BY EDMUND BRACK AND ANDREW MCSTEEN
edmund@slpmedia.co.uk

Marc Guehi says his Crystal Palace centre-back partner Chris Richards has been fantastic since coming into the starting line-up.

The American international has started the previous two Premier League outings – a 1-1 draw with Manchester United and Saturday’s

0-0 draw against Newcastle United – since replacing the injured Joachim Andersen.

Former Fulham man Andersen, who has played 54 times alongside Guehi since the pair arrived at Selhurst Park last summer, is expected to be sidelined for up to a month with a calf injury he picked up in the 1-0 defeat away at Chelsea.

Richards joined the Eagles from Bayern Munich on a five-year deal in the summer. The 22-year-old Alabama-born defender has made a combined total of 12 clearances, completed six tackles, won five aerial battles and executed four blocks in the past two outings.

“He’s been fantastic for someone who hasn’t played much football this season,” Guehi told the South London Press. “He’s been training really well – he’s been sticking at it.

“Whoever comes in the team, wherever they play, everyone just gives 100 per cent. I’m really happy for him at the moment.

“He’s played in the Bundesliga – he doesn’t need much coaching from me. We just help each other out there, talking to each other throughout the game.

“We give each other confidence, which is good. It’s always good to have an experienced goalkeeper behind you like V [Vicente Guaita] and good players in front of you.”

The 0-0 draw with Newcastle saw the Eagles secure their first clean sheet at Selhurst Park this season in the Premier League.

Palace had suffered heavy defeats against Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur before hosting United in midweek and shutting out Newcastle on Saturday evening.

“It’s good to get a clean sheet,” said Guehi. “It was a tough game against a good side, who were fourth in the Premier League.

“We would have loved to maybe create a few more chances, but if you can’t win the game, then make sure that you definitely don’t lose it. I hope we can just carry on building from this.

“We’ve played good teams, and we showed good performances in all the games. We got points, which is very important.

“It’s about building on this and making sure that, in the games to come, we keep improving, we keep sticking together as a team and hopefully get a few more wins.”

Patrick Vieira handed 17-year-old David Ozoh his debut for the final few minutes of the match against Eddie Howe’s side.

The midfielder’s cameo against the Magpies broke George Ndah’s 30-year record of being the youngest Premier League debutant for the South Londoners.

“He’s a quiet lad,” said Guehi. “He’s been training with us for quite a bit now. We’ve got Joe [Whitworth] as well in goal – Jack [Wells-Morrison] has been training well [with us too]. But it’s a big night for David. I’m just happy for him.

“He’s a really good lad. I’m sure it’s a proud day for him and his family and hopefully, he can have many more good nights like this at Selhurst.

“Everyone’s been helping him, but he’s someone that just fits right in the team. He’s a good lad and trains well every single day. He shows good character and personality – credit to him.”

Guehi was left out of England’s 2022 World Cup campaign, despite being included in the three squads prior to the tournament in Qatar.

Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate was at Selhurst Park – sitting alongside Palace chairman Steve Parish – to watch the draw with Newcastle.

When asked how the 22-year-old found out he was not going to be included in the squad, Guehi said: “He [Southgate] called me, and he just told me. It is always good to hear it from the manager himself.

“For myself, it’s the same as it always is – I’m just focused on Palace.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD