Villa need to select Richards at centre-half – Wilkins

Micah Richards: Should play in central defence, says Wilkins

Micah Richards: Should play in central defence, says Wilkins

Micah Richards would serve Aston Villa best by playing at centre-half, according to former Villa assistant boss Ray Wilkins.

Richards started the season at the heart of defence before being switched to right-back by manager Remi Garde.

The former Manchester City defender has played most of his career at full-back but former Villa assistant boss Wilkins says he is better as a centre-back.

“You’ve got a lot of players in there that have got character, but theres not a lot of leaders, but Micah is a leader,” Wilkins told the Birmingham Mail.

“When he was playing at centre half under Tim he was quite exceptional.

“We lost games but didn’t get slaughtered in games. We were always in the game. He for me has been one of the bright sparks this season, at centre half.

“Remi has decided he’s going to play him at right full-back. I personally don’t think that’s Micah’s position, I think he is a centre half.”