The World’s Best Left Back and New Roberto Carlos

By Brian Lofrumento | 5th October 2009

The World's Best Left Back and New Roberto Carlos | read this item

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Following an incredibly impressive start to the season, Sunderland defender/midfielder Kieran Richardson has revealed that the Manchester United coaching staff long had other plans for the former England international. While Sir Alex Ferguson most often played Richardson on the left flank at Old Trafford, he featured at left back a few times, and at Sunderland this season he has flourished in his new role in the back four.

Further than that, former United number two Carlos Queiroz told Richardson that he could go on to be the next Roberto Carlos. With his pace and rocket of a shot it’s not too far-fetched, but it’ll take a lot of work for Kieran to match the legendary Brazilian’s game.

“I remember Carlos Queiroz telling me, ‘You can play there [left-back], you’ve got energy and pace so you can go forward and be like Roberto Carlos,’” he said, as quoted by the Daily Star.

“Obviously, when people like that are saying these things there must be something in it but I wasn’t having any of it.

“I was young and just wanted to keep playing in midfield. I’d scored two goals for England playing on the wing and all my life I’d been an attacking player. I would have played anywhere for Manchester United but I wasn’t enthusiastic about the switch and I think they knew that.”

After Sunderland’s storming start to the season, Richardson appears to be in a buoyant mood about his prospects as a left back.

“This season I have played everywhere so far – up front, midfield and now left-back. The name on the front of the shirt is more important than the one on the back so as long as I am on the pitch I will be happy.

“Who knows what my specialist position will be? I might develop into the best left-back in the world, you never know.”

Will Kieran Richardson ever make the cut at the highest level? Have your say below!