The ex-Manchester City defender has spent most if his career at right-back but now feels he is ready to make a full-time switch to the middle.
Micah Richards has told Sky Sports that he wants the chance to establish himself as a full-time centre-back at Aston Villa.
Richards, 27, was confirmed as manager Tim Sherwood’s first new summer signing last month, penning a four-year deal to join the club on a free transfer after being released by boyhood club Manchester City.
The Birmingham-born defender, who has 13 England caps to his name, featured almost 250 times for the Citizens after earning his first-team debut in October 2005, with most of his appearances coming at right-back.
However, he has also spent time at centre-half throughout his career, including while on loan at Fiorentina last season, and now believes that it could in fact be his best position moving forward.
Speaking at Villa’s official kit launch, he said: “I always said when I got older I wanted to play centre-half, and I think that time has come now. I’m getting old now, aren’t I!?
“No, I feel in good shape and hopefully I can have a good pre-season. I feel as though my good years can still be ahead of me.”
| Premier League | Position | Team | Season | Errors Lead To Goal | Total Tackles MINS | Tackle Accuracy | Total Clearances MINS | Headers Won MINS | Header Success | Interceptions MINS | Passing Accuracy | Appearances | Mins Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micah Richards | DF | Man City | 2011-2012 | 0 | 38.53 | 75% | 22.69 | 38.53 | 74% | 58.34 | 84% | 29 | 2,042 |
| Micah Richards | DF | Man City | 2012-2013 | 0 | 56.18 | 91% | 15.45 | 25.75 | 77% | 44.14 | 89% | 7 | 618 |
| Micah Richards | DF | Man City | 2013-2014 | 0 | 32.2 | 80% | 32.2 | 26.83 | 86% | 40.25 | 90% | 2 | 161 |
Richards could be about to get his wish too, with Sherwood reported to have earmarked him as a replacement for the departed Ron Vlaar in the heart of defence [h/t Guardian].
The Villa boss does still have other accomplished options at his disposal in Ciaran Clark, Jores Okore, Nathan Baker and the experienced Philippe Senderos but, with all four prone to injures, it is understandable that he wanted to sign additional cover ahead of his first full season in charge.
Some might argue that it would make more sense for Richards to remain at right-back going into next term, given that he could prove an upgrade over both Alan Hutton and makeshift defender Leandro Bacuna, but, whatever his ultimate role, that versatility will prove an obvious plus.
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