Crystal Palace star Chris Richards enjoyed a fantastic start to his World Cup campaign as the United States recorded a 4-1 win over Paraguay.
The man born in Alabama was a doubt for the game after tearing ankle ligaments in a 2-2 draw between Crystal Palace and Brentford in May, but performed superbly as Mauricio Pochettino watched his side pick up three points.
After the final whistle sounded in the clash between the United States and Paraguay, statistics page OptaJack revealed that Richards had made a bit of World Cup history.
Initial thoughts on Pierre Sage? 🤔
He can boast a 67.5% win ratio from 40 games at RC Lens 😍
Chris Richards becomes first player in 60 years to record 100% passing at the World Cup
The Crystal Palace No.26 impressively completed all 83 of his attempted passes against Paraguay.
Not since 1966 has a player made that many passes at a World Cup without misplacing any, meaning Richards smashed a 60-year record despite not playing any football for almost a month.
Having only recently become a European champion for the first time in his career after helping Crystal Palace win the UEFA Conference League, it has been a surreal summer for the former Bayern Munich defender, who is now starring for his country at a World Cup on home soil.
Crystal Palace seem to realise just how quickly the 26-year-old’s stock is rising, as talks are already taking place over a new contract for the American, according to BBC Sport.
Those discussions are said to be positive and both parties are ready to commit to a new deal, although there is said to be “plenty of work” needed before an announcement can be made.
It is a matter of urgency for Crystal Palace, considering Richards only has 12 months remaining on his current contract.
The Eagles are also speaking to Dean Henderson about a new deal.
Where do you think we can finish in the UEFA Europa League next season after victory in Leipzig? 🤔
If Nottingham Forest can reach the last four while in a relegation battle, surely we can at least make the final? 👀
The England international is under contract until June 2028, but Crystal Palace are keen to reward the former Manchester United glovesman after he kept clean sheets in the historic 1-0 cup final wins over Manchester City and Rayo Vallecano.
