Micah Richards

Richards emerged in 2006 to become one of the hottest properties in the English game. A full England international, the defender has been on the radar of the top clubs, but suffered a lack of form that saw his profile decline.

A versatile defender who can play at full back, centre back or even as a midfield anchorman, he has not lived up to his obvious potential but he still has plenty of time to flourish.

Richards, a graduate of the Brazilian Soccer Schools system, spent time at several sides in and around his native Leeds before heading to Oldham Athletic and then switching to City in 2001 at the age of 14.

His chance would soon come and he got his debut in February 2006 against Charlton Athletic, while his rise to national prominence came with a fine headed extra-time FA Cup equaliser against Aston Villa.

The summer of 2006 saw him linked with moves to other clubs but City offered him a four-year deal that was signed before the start of the 2006-07 season and he was rewarded with a first-team role and his first call-up for his country when he became England’s youngest ever defender, in a friendly with Netherlands.

Richards continued to improve in 2007-08 and became England’s first choice right-back in the absence of the injured Gary Neville, but he has yet to win the trust of Fabio Capello. He has also struggled for opportunities at club level, with both Mark Hughes and Roberto Mancini preferring Pablo Zabaleta often leaving him out of the side.

Strengths: A player of great pace and power, Richards also has fine technique and can offer a genuine threat in attack.

Weaknesses: His concentration and positioning are the key concerns.

Career High: Earning his first international cap in November 2006 at the age of 17 and becoming England’s youngest ever defender.

Career Low: In the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship final, he was at the centre of the England defence as they were thrashed 4-0 by Germany.

Style: Dynamic and versatile defender with plenty of natural ability.

Quotes: “It’s definitely frustrating and every time the full squad’s named and I’m not in there, I’m devastated, because I know with my ability that I think I should be. If you look at my England career, I’ve played 11 times and in all those games I think I’ve done reasonably well” - Richards, speaking in March 2010, is surprised by Fabio Capello’s lack of interest.

Trivia: His father, Lincoln, runs a Brazilian Soccer Schools franchise in Chapeltown, Leeds, where Micah grew up.