The midfielder was one of several U16 stars to start in Wednesday’s 4-2 victory over Reading and his brace proved to be the difference between the sides.
Lorenzo Gonzalez opened the scoring for the young Blues before Richards got his first of the day with a powerful strike across goal. U16 winger Rabbi Matondo added a third before Richards sealed the win with the goal of the match; a thunderous strike from 30 yards.
“I was buzzing to get the start and then even more so to get the two goals. I’ve been trying to get in the U18s team all season so it was good to get ninety minutes on the pitch and score two goals. Hopefully, I’ve shown what I can do,” said Richards.
“I’ve been working hard all season to get as many opportunities as I can. Getting on the pitch now is going to prepare me well for being part of the U18s next season.”
View highlights of the recent victory over Chelsea below...
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Speaking on his second half effort, the England youth international believes fans can expect more of the same.
“I score enough goals but most of my game is based around picking someone out with a pass. I lined the shot up and just thought why not? I was so glad to see it go in and I hope to add even more of that to my game.”
Richards was joined in Lee Carsley’s squad by fellow U16 stars Matondo, Nathaniel Ogbeta, Felix Nmecha and Bobby Duncan. He believes that was an advantage.
He said: “Coming up with some of my teammates from the U16s helped settle us and it’s helping us to realise the intensity required at the higher level that we’ll be moving up to next season.”
City’s U18s will now travel to Blackburn in the U18 Premier League with kick-off at 11am on Saturday 6 May. Follow the match on mancity.com and @ManCityAcademy!
