The USMNT’s most important player for the World Cup is no longer Christian Pulisic
By Kian Long
There is certainly a case to be made for Christian Pulisic being USMNT’s most influential player of all-time. Indeed, he has brought eyes from across the world on the USMNT. However, speaking strictly about what’s in front of Mauricio Pochettino right now before the World Cup, there is one player who is far more important to the Stars and Stripes: Chris Richards.
Chris Richards is one of the best defenders in the Premier League. Like it or not, that’s the best league in the world for a reason. Richards starts week in, week out for Crystal Palace, the current FA Cup and Community Shield champions. Palace knows his worth, and so too does the USMNT.
Chris Richards proved he is not only important, he's also irreplaceable in the USMNT
Despite playing just one of the two matches in the March international camp, Chris Richards was the USMNT’s biggest winner. It was painfully obvious how much better organized Mauricio Pochettino’s defense was with Richards in the team.
Richards played the game against Portugal, which, on paper, should have been a more difficult game for the USA. Sure, they lost the game, but they at least went out with conviction, unlike in the game against Belgium previously.
Against Belgium, where Richards did not play, the USA faced 21 shots. Facing 21 shots in one match is certainly a choice.
Against Portugal, largely thanks to Richard’s involvements, the USA faced a much more respectable 11 shots. In fact, the USA took more shots in that match.
Neither match flattered the USA in any way, but it did emphasize one point that Mauricio Pochettino already knew: Richards has to start. There is no excuse for him not to.
If we’re being completely honest, and we need to be with a World Cup approaching, Chris Richards is the one player that the USMNT needs to be fit and healthy. Other players in certain positions are of paramount importance, but none would shake the USMNT as hard as Richards should they drop out.
Mauricio Pochettino had better cross every bone in his body that Richards remains available. Thankfully, nothing in his career to date suggests he is injury-prone, but let us never speak too soon.
Richards is in a league of his own. You’d be forgiven for looking at the likes of Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie or Folarin Balogun as being crucial – they are, in their own right, but nobody is more important than Richards.