An international cap at just the age of 18 with an impressive physical presence for such a young man, big things were expected from Micah Richards.

He made his first team debut for Man City at just 17-years-of-age and became the youngest defender to ever be called up for England duty, but fast forward 10 years and Richards has not reached anywhere near the levels that were expected of him.

He did win the Premier League at as a Sky Blue in the 2011/12 season and was fairly involved in that campaign, playing 29 times, however, in his last three seasons at City he played just nine league matches, and since 2012 Richards has not be called up to the England squad.

It has been a real decline for the Birmingham-born defender, and it could be put down to a couple of things... with injuries being key. In an interview with City TV he said that the fitness issues held him back.

"I didn't ever expect to do what I have done, but with my injuries I think I was hampered a lot. I think I could have achieved a lot more.

"I think my best years are ahead of me. It is sad to be leaving at this time."

In some ways City's loss could be Villa's gain, as Richards is only 27 and surely does have his "best years" ahead of him still. He already has over 100 Premier League appearances under his belt, and usually for a player like the former City man, Villa would of had to pay some sort of fee.

Instead getting a player of his age and experience on a free could prove to be a bit of inspired business from the Villains' board, as Richards has all the attributes to be a solid defender for the Midlanders for a few seasons yet.

Richards is fully capable at centre-back or at right-back - he is comfortable in both positions - and has the necessary physical attributes to dominate attackers in both areas.

He is uncompromising, he is strong, quick, massively athletic and is capable of going forward well down the right flank, too. The complete package is good and Villa can expect to see the best of the defender if he can put his injury woes behind him. Something he himself admits: "I do believe that, when I am 100% fit and firing, I am a very good player. My problem over the last couple of years has been picking up injuries and getting that consistency of playing."

Born in Birmingham, Richards has made his return to the Midlands and it could be said that his career has made a real U-turn in many ways.

Nevertheless, he may feel that he could still be at a top four club and maybe he shouldn't have ended up at Villa, but Richards does look like the sort of player that does not shirk a challenge and will relish the chance to prove himself all over again... and he might just do it.

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