USMNT's Chris Richards will get his moment to shine as Crystal Palace sells center backs around him

Joachim Anderson is on his way to Fulham and Marc Guehi could be the next one sold

By Chuck Booth Aug 23, 2024 at 5:02 pm ET• 1 min read

Players leaving a club can create uncertainty in a starting lineup, but it can also demonstrate a manager's confidence in options that they still have available. For Crystal Palace, that's one way to look at things after the departure of Joachim Anderson who makes a return back to Fulham where he was on loan during the 2020-21 season. In one sense it's a loss for the Eagles. In another, it's quite a chance for American center back Chris Richards.

Richards joined Palace from Bayern Munich at the start of the 2022-23 season, but due to injuries and squad depth, it took him almost an entire season before becoming a regular under Oliver Glasner. Now entering his third season with the club, the play of Richards will be key to Palace's defensive fortunes.

With experience playing all over the defense and in midfield, there isn't much that Richards hasn't seen in game despite only being 24. Speaking at the end of last season, Richards discussed how Palace's mindset is different under Glasner and it shows in his play. It may have been a disappointing summer for Richards with the United States crashing out of the Copa America during the group stage, but that's another moment for growth.