Lescott salutes Micah’s class

JOLEON Lescott believes Manchester City team–mate Micah Richards has the ability to become the best right–back in the world.

Richards produced a man–of–the–match display in the 3–1 win over Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium. A constant threat with his overlapping bursts, Richards scored City’s crucial second and then played a pivotal role in a match–sealing second penalty when he was bundled over by Hatem Ben Arfa.

It is the type of form Richards, who attended Oldham Athletic’s centre of excellence, has been producing all season yet England manager Fabio Capello seems strangely unmoved by such displays.

Manchester United duo Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have both been shifted out of more natural central positions to occupy Richards’ favoured slot on Euro 2012 duty this season.

And the return from injury of Glen Johnson, plus the inclusion of Tottenham’s Kyle Walker meant Richards was not even picked in the squad for recent wins over Spain and Sweden.

The reason for Richards’ omission remains something of a mystery. But Lescott has no doubts over the 23–year–old’s ability.

“Micah has been in immense form all season,” said the City defender. “He is in the best form of his career and has the world at his feet. I would say he is the best right–back in the league just now. If he continues this form he will be the best in the world.”

Despite eye-watering financial losses of £195million, on the field City look more like champions with every passing week. They scored three times once again, taking their tally to 42 in 12 games — of which they have won 11, a new record.

Mario Balotelli had opened the scoring with the Blues’ first spot–kick after Ryan Taylor had handled Toure’s shot.

Taylor’s error gifted Richards a second and although Alan Pardew’s previously unbeaten Magpies had chances, by the time Dan Gosling found the net, the game was lost.