Chris Richards

Chris Richards came through the Bayern München academy and earned loan experience before Crystal Palace signed him permanently in 2022. At Selhurst Park he has developed into a physically imposing, aggressive centre-back capable of defending in a high line — attributes that suit Oliver Glasner's pressing-oriented system. Injuries have repeatedly disrupted his momentum at club and international level, which has made consistency his biggest challenge. When fit, Richards is arguably the most naturally gifted defender in the USMNT pool, combining aerial dominance with the technical confidence instilled during his formative years in Germany.