Micah Richards can surpass the level of Ron Vlaar and reach the cult hero status of Olof Mellberg.
Since Mellberg left, Aston Villa have not had a loyal number four. But Richards can fill the void left by the Holte End hero and perhaps even surpass it.
The former Swedish international was a modern day Villa legend. Many fans will remember his fists in the air, after being subbed off against Birmingham City. Or some may have been at his final game, a draw against West Ham United at the Boleyn Ground, where the Swede gifted the travelling Villains with a free shirt to say thank you for their support.
So it is no surprise that Vlaar did not quit live up to that expectation, but Birmingham-born Richards has the opportunity to become something big at Villa. The Yorkshire-raised right-back turned centre-back was handed Vlaar’s old number after the Dutchman turned down a contract extension in the summer.
And it looks like Vlaar will not be signing many contracts this summer as he has been ruled out with a knee injury – which was a major drag on his time with Villa. He was out injured eight times during his time with the club, primarily struggling with a calf injury.
The 30-year-old only managed 86 appearances for Villa in three seasons and a meagre 20 in the league last campaign. A poor show for the former skipper. It contrasts heavily to Mellberg’s 260 appearances in seven seasons.
Whilst Richards is older than the Mellberg who joined Villa in 2001 at the age of 24 from Racing Santander amid interest from Valencia and Barcelona, Richards can still cement his name in Villa folklore – that is if he manages to stay off the injury table – which is how he lost his place at Manchester City.
So far he has. Many Villa fans would have been sceptical about his injury record, but the 27-year-old only missed four games whilst on loan to Fiorentina from City last season and has survived preseason.
He brings a wealth of experience to the team, having played in a successful Manchester City side, winning the league twice and both cups (FA and League) once. Villa could do with a player who knows how to win a cup after losing two finals in five years.
Richards brings more than potential cult hero status to the Villa squad. He is strong, good in the air, competent in dribbling and passing. Richards has all the qualities of a good defender and a centre-back that can help Villa play out of danger rather that launch the ball up the pitch.
Most Villa fans will be impressed with what they have seen so far. Richards looked solid against Bournemouth and although he was not fantastic against Manchester United, he was not bad either. In truth, not many Villains had a great night against the Red Devils.
Leadership is the main thing that Villa have lacked at the back in recent years. Although some may argue a case for Ciaran Clark, he has nowhere near the level of experience Richards has. The experience that the Ireland international has is primarily at the bottom end of the table and that is not where Villa want to be.
Tim Sherwood has recognised this in making Richards matchday captain straight away and he has looked very comfortable in the role so far.
It is going to be an exciting season for the Villa faithful and Richards can be the man that helps kick Villa up the table and start a new era of top half football again.
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